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Have YOU got what it takes to be a World Champion Porridge-Maker?
The 14th Annual World Porridge-Making Championships are set to take place in Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, on Sunday 7th October, in conjunction with Highland Feast, the Highland Food & Drink Festival 2007.
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 2007, 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 Chef George McIvor, Colin Bussey, Executive Head Chef at The Gleneagles Hotel, and guest judge Shirley Spear from the award-wining Three Chimneys Restaurant on the Isle of Skye.
Among those already signed up to take part in this year's contest are last year's winner Sgt Coleen Hayward MacLeod who helps feed the 400+ troops based at Fort George near Inverness, and speciality winner, Addy Daggert, from the Muckrach Lodge Hotel, Dulnain Bridge.
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.
Catering in Scotland will publish a full roundup of the event in our November/December edition.
This article has been edited from its original version. For the complete feature, please see Catering in Scotland magazine September/October 2007.
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