Bruleed Cheese Grits

Directions

1. 1
   Put the grits in a large heatproof bowl and cover with water by 3 inches.
2. 2
   Stir, then carefully pour off the water.
3. 3
   Stir in 4 cups fresh water and cover the bowl tightly with aluminum foil.
4. 4
   Fill a large wide pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.
5. 5
   Set the bowl on top of the pot (do not let the bowl touch the water) and reduce the heat to medium; cook the grits, undisturbed, 1 hour.
6. 6
   Uncover, add a heaping teaspoon of salt and stir until smooth.
7. 7
   Re-cover and continue cooking, adjusting the heat as needed to keep the water at a simmer, until the grits are tender and creamy, about 1 more hour; stir until smooth.
8. 8
   Keep warm until ready to serve.
9. 9
   Just before serving, preheat the broiler.
10. 10
    Combine the cheddar, gruyere and gouda in a bowl; add all but 1 cup of the cheese mixture to the grits along with the butter and stir until melted.
11. 11
    Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
12. 12
    Broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 5 to 8 minutes.
13. 13
    Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
14. 14
    Photograph by Anna Williams