Duncan Hilditch's Porridge
Duncan, who sadly died in 2005, was well known for his excellent porridge making skills. He won the title of World Porridge Making Champion three times - in 1996, 2000 and 2001, and appeared on television, radio and in the press throughout the world talking about porridge. Duncan was quite superstitious and always recommended stirring porridge clockwise, not anti-clockwise, which he said would invoke the devil. He thought that his success was in part due to using a spurtle to make porridge, which he turned himself from oak that came from a whisky cask.
This was Duncan’s favourite porridge recipe:
Put one cup of Hamlyn's oatmeal in a pan with 3½ - 4 cups of cold water. Stir gently over a medium heat until it reaches simmering point, lower heat and continue to stir for five minutes to avoid any lumps - don't leave it a minute longer or the porridge will lose its texture. Add ¾ teaspoon of salt or to taste and one teaspoon of sugar. Before serving, stir in ¼ cup of cream, give the porridge a final beat and pour into bowls. Sprinkle a little soft brown sugar around the edge and drizzle with more cream if desired.
