The Golden Spurtle: A wholesome, whole grain documentary tip!
While researching a trip to the Scottish Highlands in 2019, we read about the village of Carrbridge and it's yearly Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship. As someone who loves porridge, I was instantly sold! Though I'll admit, the porridge I have most mornings (Brinta instant porridge, with milk, microwaved) is likely considered heresy by true porridge aficionados.
In the end, we unfortunately didn't go on that Scotland trip, but the Golden Spurtle and Carrbridge still stuck in our minds. So we were very excited last week when we heard about the release of the new documentary The Golden Spurtle!
The documentary highlights the 30th edition of the competition in 2023, but it quickly becomes clear that it’s just as much about Carrbridge itself, and its charming residents. One of which being Porridge Chieftain Charlie Miller, who is leading the event one last time before retiring from the position.
People from all over the world join the competition, and the documentary features some fun interviews with newcomers, former champions and other veterans. Making good porridge is hard, says one of the competitors, who normally works a nuclear physicist.
It's a great depiction of a lovely bunch of people, with a lot of charm and some comedic moments. At the same time, the way everything is presented always feels sincere and respectful. So I definitely recommend checking out the documentary! It is as heartwarming as a good hot bowl of porridge.
And remember, you'd better be stirring your porridge clockwise only, or else...
Apparently there's going to be a Dutch porridge competition here next year, inspired by the Golden Spurtle. I'll definitely keep my eye on that!