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Have YOU got what it takes to be a World Champion Porridge-Maker?
The 15th Annual World Porridge-Making Championships are set to take place in Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, on Sunday 12th October, in conjunction with Highland Feast, the Highland Food & Drink Festival 2008.
Catering in Scotland previews the only competition of its kind in the world…
The Championships' organisers are calling for entries from anyone who thinks that they are worthy to be crowned World Porridge-Making Champion. Chefs from restaurants, hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfast establishments may enter, as well as individuals who consider themselves up to the job of making a championship bowl of porridge.
The championship, which is among the events included in the celebration of Highland 2008, the Year of Highland Culture, is followed by porridge connoisseurs across the globe.
The title of World Porridge-Making Champion is awarded to the chef deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal, water and salt. As well as the coveted title and the 'Golden Spurtle' trophy, the winner of the competition, sponsored by Scotland's leading Oatmeal producer, Hamlyn's of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a cash prize of £250.
Contestants are also invited to enter the 'Speciality Porridge' competition for porridge with other ingredients added. The speciality section, sponsored by Columba Cream, has a £150 cash prize, plus a special trophy named in memory of the legendary four-times World Porridge-Making Champion, Duncan Hilditch.
Entries will be appraised by a panel of three judges: Master Chefs George McIvor and Colin Bussey, and guest judge Tom Lewis from the award-wining Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Perthshire.
Among those already signed up to take part in this year's contest are last year's winner Maria Soep from the Roinebhal Country House at Kilchrenan, Argyll, and newcomer Joanne Grice, breakfast chef at the St Anne's Inn and Spa near Toronto, Canada.
'Porridge is enjoying a huge growth in popularity as people are becoming more aware of the importance of oats in the diet, and it is great to see it being cooked the traditional way,' says Alan Meikle, General Manager and Director of main sponsors, Hamlyn's of Scotland.
Other events during the day include the Cairngorms Farmers' Market, live music, product-tastings and street entertainment, as well as the Carrbridge Challenge 5km and 3km Forest Run, and mini-fun-run in aid of Maggie's Highland.
The annual Porridge-Making Championships are organised by Carrbridge Community Council, whose chairman Scott Bruce, says: 'This has become one of the top events on the food and drink calendar and has built up an international following, generating a huge amount of interest across the world. The championship starts off with a pipe-band parade of competitors and judges along the main street, followed by the traditional 'Toast to the Porridge'.
Full competition details and entry forms can be found at www.goldenspurtle.com.or from Linda Jolly, on 01479 841211.
This article has been edited from its original version. For the complete feature, please see Catering in Scotland magazine August/September 2008.
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