First preheat your oven to 300 degrees. While the oven is preheating, bring Bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan on the stovetop..

Add 1 cup of Tidewater Grain White Carolina Gold Rice or 1 cup of Tidewater Grain Brown Carolina Gold Rice to the water; and allow the water to come back to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium simmer. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, but DO NOT cover the pan.

Continue to cook the rice in the simmering water for 12-15 minutes.

Drain the rice through a fine mesh sieve or colander; and then, rinse the rice in cold water.

Spread the rice onto a foil or parchment paper covered baking sheet. Remove the bay leaves. Place the baking sheet in the 300 degree preheated oven.

After 5 minutes of baking, season the rice with pepper and dot generously with at least 2 Tbsp. of butter. Return to the oven for 5 mins, more.

Remove the rice from the oven and fluff with a fork before serving. It is ready to enjoy all on its own; or serve with your favorite protein..