“Puts a rose in every cheek.”
You didn’t think I spent all that time in Australia without sampling a little Vegemite, did you?
Despite my best efforts, I somehow managed to wait until my very last night before novelty snacking on Vegemite proper. I did try out a bit of Cheesybite early on, but that’s not quite the real deal.
In order to give Vegemite a fair trial I consulted my Australian expert, Allie. I wanted to make sure my Vegemite taste test was as authentic as possible. She wrote specific instructions for how to create the novelty snacks below. To further ensure authenticity, I asked Kate, my Australian housemate, to prepare the snacks. She was more than willing.
Without further ado:
Novelty Snack: Vegemite on toast
Description: A scrape of Vegemite on toast with melted butter or margarine. (We made both).
Tastes Like: How to describe Vegemite? Yeasty, salty, with a bite… nice on warm toast with butter.
Verdict: Thumbs up!
Novelty Snack: Vegemite sandwich
Description: Vegemite and butter on super fresh cheap white bread. (Bonus if it’s cut into triangles)
Tastes Like: Well, again… how to describe Vegemite? I prefer it warmed up as opposed to cold.
Verdict: Thumbs neutral
Novelty Snack: Salada sandwiches
Description: Vegemite and butter on Salada (like Saltine) crackers. Allie made sure I knew to press the crackers together until little worms ooze out of the holes. My housemate Kate seconded this action.
Tastes Like: A cracker sandwich that you don’t really like at first… but a few minutes later are interested in trying again. And then again.
Verdict: Thumbs up!
Novelty Snack: Toasted sandwich
Description: Crusty bread, butter, Vegemite, and cheddar cheese
Tastes Like: A grilled cheese sandwich with a little extra bite and a lingering aftertaste.
Verdict: Thumbs up!
Overall, I I liked Vegemite. I highly discourage trying so many Vegemite items in one night, however. Each of us ended up with a bit of a tummy ache. Even the Australian. I do think I preferred the warm snacks (toast, toasted sandwich) to the cold. There’s just more appeal.
I’ll leave you with Allie’s main overall tip: Approach Vegemite like horseradish or mustard– not peanut butter! Well said.
xo, jill
PS. Sorry for the poor photo quality! It was our last night… I couldn’t be bothered!
Haha I was wondering if this was coming!! Love it! I actually like Vegemite and Marmite… I had no idea you were meant to eat it with all that butter though! I like Vegemite on toast with sliced avocado and black pepper.
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown recently posted…Things your scuba diving instructor will never tell you….
This is something I’ve never tried, though I would be up for giving it a shot. I think that piece of advice about treating it like a condiment and using a light hand is probably key to one’s enjoyment and one I’ll definitely keep in mind. A little bit of horseradish or mustard goes a long way and I’ve not doubt vegemite is the same!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted…Chewing the Fat with Ashley Abroad!
I am so proud of you Jill! We’ll tattoo the southern cross onya yet! x
Alli Campbell recently posted…SHANGHAI SHOPPING (THE NON DEPARTMENT STORE KIND)
Im no fan of vegimite, but there’s nothing better than home comforts when away, or holiday favourites!!
love your blog, great read and gorgeous photos xx
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