December 18th

Tea Time!  Robb found a wonderful classic little tearoom in the village of Auchtermuchty, called the Tannochbrae Tearoom where we had a wonderful lunch.

 The owner of the tea room, Mr. Neal Robertson is a local hero because he was the winner of the 17th Annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.

What is a "Spurtle" you ask?  It is a special tool used to stir the oatmeal with.

This is an old kitchen tool that is used to make oat meal/porridge and helps to keep the lumps out.

Now, Robb who is known for having odd facts tucked into his brain remembered that last years winner of the Golden Spurtle was none other than the local hero of grains in the Portland Oregon area, Bob's Red Mill.

October, 2009 – Carrying the culinary hopes of the USA on his shoulders, American Matthew Cox from Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods has done what no American has done before – he has claimed the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy and won the title of World Porridge Making Champion.

The team from Bob's Red Mill will return home with the coveted "Golden Spurtle" trophy. A Scottish kitchen tool dating back to the 15th century, a spurtle is a rod-like stirring stick that is traditionally used to prevent porridge from becoming lumpy. Expanding on its Oregon theme, Bob's Red Mill competed with its own custom "Myrtle Spurtle" made from Oregon myrtle wood.

This years winner,  Mr. Robertson, used a "Spon".  What is a spon you ask?  A spon is basically a wooden, double backed spoon (no bowl), that gives twice the power to mixing and beating.
 

 

 

If you'd like to learn more about the Golden Spurtle Contest and check out all the recipes, everyone using oat meal you should look up the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Championship.  There are some really interesting recipes.  There are fritters, waffles, and unbelievable uses for oatmeal.

Love to All,

Dawn

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