Porridge

Susie Q · Post by **Susie Q** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:35 pm

My Mum told me a story about her great-uncle, Patrick Gibbons.
He was born in 1860, and died in 1942. He never married, and lodged with his brother and sister-in-law. He kept to his own room, but the wee bairns were allowed to visit him when they went to see their Grannie.
I couldn't believe this and wonder if anyone else has heard of it before.
He used to make a BIG pot of porridge at the beginning of the week, allow it to cool slightly, then pour it into a drawer. When it had set, he cut it into pieces, and had one every day for breakfast. Mum says that this is how we got the term " piece " when referring to packed lunch.
Is she winding me up ?

Cath

Post by **Jean Jeanie** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:51 pm

Hi Cath

Have a look at this

link to porridge in drawer

Jean

link modified as it was pushing the width of the forum out - AndrewP

PaulaD · Post by **PaulaD** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:52 pm

Hi Cath,

I always thought it came from a "piece" of bread and jam but I love your story. Not very hygienic was it.

Can't wait to hear everyone elses theories.

Paula

Susie Q · Post by **Susie Q** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:55 pm

Well I never ! She wisnae tellin fibs efter aw, sorry maw.

Cath

grannysrock · Post by **grannysrock** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:49 pm

Last year,
I made my first bowl of porirdge.
I put it in the microwave for 10 min.
(with OUT milk) and took it out.
I put the kitchen in fire including my plate!!
And wonderid what was wrong with my porridge!!!

grannysrock's daughter katie (11)

nancy · Post by **nancy** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:55 pm

Hi Cath,

My hubby tells a similar story to our grandkids about porridge.
When he was a wee boy,around 1950,his ma and da took him touring down Cornwall,Devon way.They came to a lovely wee place called Seaton, in Devon.As that was also his family's surname,they decided to stay a few days B and B and enjoy this lovely little town.
In the morning though,he couldn't believe his eyes,when he was given a piece of porridge,just like you've described

Must have been alright though,as he still has porridge every day

Not solid though,straight from pan to plate,and lots of milk

Cheers Nancy

Post by **emanday** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 9:12 pm

NOT a myth!

My Grandmother used to talk of her Grandfather doing the same thing. Her explanation was that, as a result of the fact that fuel (in her grandfather's case - peat) was hard work to obtain, and that the making of porridge was quite a lengthy process, so the "bulk cooking" method was employed to save on this valuable asset.

Might I also add that this is one of the reasons why she was so fond of oatcakes, as I still am. Although not exactly the same as "drawer porridge" the taste and texture is the same.

For all we know, that is how the oatcake came into being!

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 1:08 am

Definateley not a myth

My parents honeymooned in the Lammermoor hills in 1934, staying with a shepherd and his wife. They were amazed when she made the porridge the night before, poured it into a drawer then, next morning some was for the sheepdog, the cow, the hens and a portion was served up along with a cup of milk into which you dipped your spoonful of porridge.

I don't know if that was the derivation of piece though since miners took a piece box down the mine and it was shaped to exactly fit a piece of plain Scots loaf. Square at one end curved at the other with a 'D' ring welded on so it could hang on his belt.

Russell

wini · Post by **wini** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:17 am

Not a Myth.

I used to stay with relatives in Skye in the 1940's.
Their fires were lit by Peat.
The Peat was collected in a horse and cart and on Sunday we went to church in a Pony and Trap
The porridge was made on a Saturday, because of course you could not cook on the Sabbath and it was put in the drawer for the however long it lasted.

wini

Post by **AnneM** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:55 am

Definitely not a myth. My mother tells of the same procedure, including the drawer, in her childhood in the 1930s and 40s in Dunoon and district. I don't think she's having me on. Keep repeating after me "We don't know we're living......."

Anne

P.S Never forget you were bathed in a sink when a baby.