Hot Breakfast Cereal

Bring water to a boil, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, then gradually whisk in the cereal. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered. Give it a stir every now and then to keep it from sticking or boiling over. Most cereals thicken before the grain is actually cooked, but you can detect its raw taste. Cook until the cereal actually tastes done, 25-40 minutes, depending on the grain.