I love a good contest, especially one that involves creativity, cooking, subsequent eating and the chance to win free trips. Bob’s Red Mill’s contest Spar for the Spurtle 2 meets all of these requirements.

Each year for the past 19 years, the Scottish village of Carrbridge has hosted the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, in search of the world’s best oatmeal. In 2009, Bob’s Red Mill competed in the competition for the first time and took home the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy. In 2011, the company decided to open up the competition to their fans and the nationwide Spar for the Spurtle competition was born.

The premise behind the competition is simple: Create a unique recipe that prominently features Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats that can be made in 30 minutes or less using no more than 2 stove top burners. Then make a 3-minute or less video showcasing your recipe, post it on YouTube and complete entry into the competition here. All of the official rules for the contest may be found here.Entries are accepted until July 20, 2012.

There’s a lot that can be made with oatmeal. Last year’s winning entry was Black Bean Porridge Patties with Pico de Gallo.

Three finalists will receive an all expense-paid trip to Bob’s Red Mill headquarters in Portland, Oregon, the chance to compete in a cook-off for the Grand Prize and other cool perks. The Grand Prize winner will then receive an all expense-paid trip for two to Scotland to compete in the 19th Annual Golden Spurtle World Championshipin October 2012 and $2,500 cash. Win that, and you’d be a world-champion porridge maker, a pretty cool item to put on your resumé.

To encourage entries into Spar for the Spurtle 2, Bob’s Red Mill — whose representatives I met at BlogHer Food ’12 earlier this month — is sponsoring a giveaway in partnership with my blog.

The first 5 blog readers who (1) submit an entry into the competition, and (2) comment on this blog post with link to your YouTube video, will all receive a Bob’s Red Mill prize pack including Honey Oat Granola, Cinnamon Raisin Granola, Scottish Oats and 7 Grain Pancake Mix.

Disclaimer: While Bob’s Red Mill is sponsoring this giveaway, all views expressed on this blog are my own. Further, I only endorse products which I already love.