Moray chef vies for world porridge title

THE heat is on for a Moray chef lined up to compete in the World Porridge Making Championships this weekend.

Porridge fans from 12 countries will vie for the title of 2019 World Porridge Making Champion after they were selected for the 26th annual World Porridge Making Championships which will be held in Carrbridge on Saturday, October 12.

Competitors hoping to take the Golden Spurtle trophy this year include Aaron Judge, from Kellas, a self-employed personal chef who likes to infuse world flavours into Scottish cuisine. This will be Aaron's first cooking competition.

Aaron was keen to put his skills to the test with a dish much-loved by his family.

The 30-strong line-up includes competitors from Sweden, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Norway, France, Poland, Wales, Scotland, England, Belgium and Canada.

The title of World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the contestant deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using just three ingredients – oatmeal, water and salt. Competitors can use pinhead, coarse, medium or fine oatmeal. Entries are judged on appearance, texture, colour and taste. Competitors can soak the oatmeal in advance, but no prior cooking is allowed.

The judges were unable to select an outright winner in 2018, so the title was shared between two Swedish competitors, Calle Myrsell and Per Carlsson, both of whom are returning this year. It was the second year running that the Golden Spurtle had gone to Sweden.

There is also an additional prize for the best speciality porridge, where oatmeal can be combined with any other ingredients. The current speciality winner is Chris Young, owner of Perthshire Oatcakes, who wowed the judges with his Scottish tapas platter.

The World Porridge Making Championships is organised by Carrbridge Community Council.

In addition to the Golden Spurtle, this year’s event will include a Silver Spurtle for a young people’s competition for 8 to 16-year-olds.

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