Fill a small pot with milk and salt and bring to just to a boil on the stove. Remove the pot from the heat immediately, if necessary to keep the milk from rising and spilling over as it boils, and then reduce the heat to a low boil. For every one serving of hot farina you plan on preparing, heat 1 cup of milk and a dash of salt. You can use any type of milk you prefer, although whole milk will result in a creamier hot cereal than milk with reduced fat.

Slowly stir in the farina cereal into the hot milk and raise the heat to return the milk to a boil. Add in 3 tablespoons of farina for every 1 cup of milk. Stir constantly and reduce the heat to a low simmer as soon as it boils. Cook for another two to three minutes. It is important to not stop stirring to ensure a smooth farina cereal, free of lumps.

Stir in sugar, butter, and any other flavoring ingredients to your taste, as the farina is cooking and thickening. Additional options to consider include cocoa powder, cinnamon, honey, canned pumpkin and maple syrup.

Pour the farina into bowls to serve. You can top the farina with toppings such as almonds, granola and raisins, if you so choose.

Combine milk, farina and dash of salt in a microwave-safe bowl and stir well. You'll need 1 cup of milk,3 tablespoons of farina and dash of salt for every serving you plan to make.

Place the farina in the microwave and cook on high for one minute. Open the microwave and stir the mixture well.

Continue to microwave the farina for up to two minutes more, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. Remove when the farina is thickened to your liking.

Stir in flavoring ingredients such as sugar and butter to your taste, as well as any toppings. Serve hot.