For many Scots, it’s the dish of the day.
But, at the weekend, the locals had to give second best to an octogenarian American, who travelled all the way to the Highlands to claim a global title in the grand pantheon of porridge.
The 23rd World Porridge Making Championships took place in Carrbridge and 87-year-old Bob Moore won the coveted Golden Spurtle.
He was the founder of Bob’s Red Mill in Oregon in Portland and proved that it’s never too old to enjoy your oats.
In 2010, on his 81st birthday, he gifted the business to the company’s 400 employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Program.
And, as he basked in his success, he responded: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was announced.
“It is so meaningful to me to win the Golden Spurtle. I’ve devoted my life to eating and producing good wholegrain food and this has really made me so happy.”
The title of World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the contestant who creates the best traditional fare using just three ingredients – oatmeal, salt and water.
Contestants are also encouraged to enter the “Speciality” competition, where oatmeal must be the main ingredient in any sweet or savoury porridge-based dish.
Thorbjorn Kristensen, a Norwegian gardener, chef, nutrition expert and product developer, took the latter title for the second year running.
His winning dish, called “Unexpected Guests”, was concocted from day-old porridge, combined with eggs, butter, vanilla sugar, cream and liqueur, which he recommended enjoying with sparkling wine or a glass of champagne.
The judges at this year’s competition were Neil Mugg, former head pastry chef at Gleneagles, Craig Robertson, crime writer and experienced culinary judge, and classically trained French chef, Lydie Bocquillon, owner of the Auld Alliance restaurant in Kingussie, with acclaimed author Lin Anderson acting as MC and overseeing the event.
The World Porridge Making Championships is organised by Carrbridge Community Council and sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland.
Event organiser, Margarete Paschke said: “After 23 years, the Golden Spurtle continues to inspire porridge makers from across the world.
“It really has been a fantastic day, the pinnacle of a great weekend in Carrbridge, which celebrates one of Scotland’s favourite national dishes with cooking, music and Scottish hospitality.”
