Being from England I understand your confusion about Grits..
Many here in the US are sometimes confused also, granted the farther South you travel here the more clear it becomes,, myself I only like them with Butter Salt and Pepper.. Now once they are seasoned right then I guess you can lap them up right off the plate but most use a fork or spoon :)
LOL Just kidding Lap the Nortons up and take the time to read and watch here
http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html
Tons of good info in that thread