A quirky cook-off will take place in the Scottish Highlands this weekend, as the 26th prestigious Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship takes place at Carrbridge Village Hall.
Every year, the championship title is awarded to the competitor producing the best traditional porridge, made from oatmeal. The traditional porridge must be made with untreated oatmeal, not with oat flakes, and with only water and salt (so no sneaking in copious amounts of sugar). The entries are judged on consistency, taste and colour.
The championship has become an international event with 26 competitors expected to take part this year. Winners from porridge making competitions in America, Scandinavia and England also get to compete at the Carrbridge event. All with the aim of winning the infamous Golden Spurtle trophy. The ‘Golden Spurtle’ trophy takes its name from the Scottish kitchen utensil, the spurtle, designed for stirring porridge.
But it’s not all about plain porridge and shiny trophies. Participants with a bit of creativity can also take part in the Speciality Competition, where contestants are free to add other ingredients to the porridge. This competition usually results in an array of sweet and savoury dishes.
This year’s event will begin at 10am with a pipe band parade from the old bridge, followed by the competition itself. Admission to watch the championships is free, and spectators will have the opportunity to taste test the porridge.
When: 12th October 2019, 10am – 4pm
Where: The Village Hall, Carrbridge, Scottish Highlands PE23 3BB
£: Free
More info: goldenspurtle.com