with Anu Garg
Photo Credit: Lee Valley Tools

spurtle

(SPUR-tl)

noun: A wooden stick for stirring porridge.

Of uncertain origin, perhaps from Latin spatula, or from sprit (a pole to extend a sail on a ship).

There’s a word for everything. And there’s a contest for everything. There is one for making porridge, grandly named, The Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, held annually in Scotland.

“I know hardly anyone who eats anything much in the morning. … No one yet has owned up to stirring porridge with a spurtle, pouring milk over blocks of desiccated wheat, or even blasting a banana to a pulp in the blender.
Nigel Slater; Oat Cuisine; The Observer (London, UK); May 19, 2002.

Understand this, I mean to arrive at the truth. The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it. -Agatha Christie, author (1890-1976)