Recently Brian and I tried Vegemite and several popular concoctions using this B-vitamin packed yeast based spread.  Well there is good news for those of us that loved the Vegemite and cream cheese blend, at least that is if you’re an Aussie, or planning a trip to Sydney.  Thats right!  The makers of Vegemite have planned [...]]]>

Recently Brian and I tried Vegemite and several popular concoctions using this B-vitamin packed yeast based spread.  Well there is good news for those of us that loved the Vegemite and cream cheese blend, at least that is if you’re an Aussie, or planning a trip to Sydney.  Thats right!  The makers of Vegemite have planned to make a new spread containing the flavors of Vegemite and cream cheese with the addition of a new “secret ingredient”.  Even better it will be available premixed.  Kraft Australia  has devised a naming contest to give this new yummy its title.  Check out their site, enter a name, and you might just be the lucky salt that gets to name what is sure to be one of the hottest selling new food items in Australia!

Earlier this week I brought you a bit of Australia with a feature on Vegemite.  Today for my Global Eats piece I bring you even more food from down under and a purveyor that can bring it to you.  If, for instance, after reading the vegemite story you decided you can’t live without beer waste [...]]]>

Earlier this week I brought you a bit of Australia with a feature on Vegemite.  Today for my Global Eats piece I bring you even more food from down under and a purveyor that can bring it to you.  If, for instance, after reading the vegemite story you decided you can’t live without beer waste in a jar then Simply Australian can hook you up.  Mind you, not just with a small jar, but with a whole freaking case.  They even sell Marmite if you have the hankering to give the original yeast in a jar product a go.  Read on for more.

Started in 1993 importing Bindoon boots from Western Australia and Rossi boots from South Australia, Simply Australian quickly grew into their first retail store only 12 months later.  Going online in 1998 and adding online shopping in 2001, Simply Australian now carries a massive array of products from Down Under and in particular candy, drinks, and food!

After vegemite I can’t think of another food item more Australian than the Tim Tam.  Produced by Arnott’s Biscuits of Australia the Tim Tam is a chocolate biscuit made by sandwiching chocolate cream filling in between two malted chocolate biscuits and then given a thin coating of textured chocolate.  The name Tim Tam comes from owner Ross Arnott who while attending the 1958 Kentucky Derby thought the winning horse Tim Tam would make a good name for a new biscuit he was going to introduce.  Simply Australian can hook you up with all the various flavors of Tim Tam, and if you are feeling up to it try the Tim Tam Slam.  What’s the Tim Tam Slam you ask?  It’s the practice of first biting both ends off your Tim Tam and then using it as a straw to drink your favorite beverage (usually milk, coffee or tea).  That’s got to be worth the price of admission right there!

In addition to the sweets they also carry a wide variety of other Aussie foods from condiments all the way to another Australian favorite the meat pie.  Available for overnight shipment Monday-Wednesday you can get 12 pies for $40.00 but shipping will set you back an additional $40.00 so you really have to love your meat pies!  Also available are a selection of Australian beers and wines, which can be shipped to most states, but make sure to check before ordering alcohol.  Even if you don’t like food you can probably find something at Simply Australian you will like, but if you don’t like food you can just bugger off cause you don’t belong here.

As I roamed the isles of World Market the other day, I happened to glance up and spot the iconic logo of the Vegemite jar.  A couple dollars later it was in my bag and I was on my way home.  It has been about 10 years since I was last acquainted with vegemite, and [...]]]>

As I roamed the isles of World Market the other day, I happened to glance up and spot the iconic logo of the Vegemite jar.  A couple dollars later it was in my bag and I was on my way home.  It has been about 10 years since I was last acquainted with vegemite, and if memory served me right I was not looking forward to trying it again.  But time has a way of changing things and I was ready to go.  Like most Americans I had originally tried it because of the Men at Work song “Down Under”.  I now return to it, however, as a culinary adventurer seeking the truth.  Hit the jump if you are a truth seeker.

If you made it this far then let me tell you something straight off.  DO NOT eat Vegemite straight.  I don’t care if you’re Australian, Kiwi or British; vegemite is just too intense a flavor to eat on its own.  It reminds me of heavily salted yeasty beer foam, and for good reason.  Vegemite is made from the leftovers of beer fermentation.  Basically the waste from beer production is made hypertonic (salt added) causing the yeast cells to shrivel and self destruct.  After cooking this solution and adding additional flavorings, one is left with a thick dark brown paste.  To give an idea of how attractive vegemite is, show a jar to your favorite mechanic and see if he mistakes it for bearing grease.  It’s true. Vegemite looks more like industrial lubricant than food stuffs.  Ok but perhaps it’s better paired with other ingredients.

We at Flavourgasmic are going to try several classic and even some new Vegemite recipes to determine if there are any redeeming qualities.  According to our Aussie friends Vegemite is best on toast with butter so let’s start there.  All items are being served on toasted bread.

Toast with Vegemite and Butter
Brian:Not bad, I used a decent unsalted churned butter and the rich creamy taste of the butter matched well with the strong savory taste of the vegemite.
Katt: Salty, very savory.  A little like beef bouillon.

Toast with Vegemite, Butter and Cheese (Cheddar)
Brian:The classic vegemite sandwich, and for good reason.  The sharp almost smoky flavor of the cheddar works very well with the strong savory notes of the vegemite.
Katt:Makes the cheddar seem overly salty, however it cuts the taste of the vegemite.

Toast with Vegemite and Cream Cheese (Katt’s idea)
Brian:MMM cream cheese, I personally think the vegemite gets lost behind the cream cheese, however just enough comes through to know it’s there providing a nice compliment to the cream cheese.
Katt:That’s really good.  Brings out the richness of the cream cheese, nice oniony flavor.

Toast with Vegemite, Butter, Sliced Tomato
Brian:Very good!  The sweetness and slight acidity of the tomato match just about perfectly with the yeasty vegemite.  I think this may be my favorite.
Katt:The taste of the vegemite is lost behind the tomato.  The vegemite is not a bad substitute for mayonnaise in this application.

Toast with Vegemite, Butter and Avocado
Brian:What can I say, avocado makes just about anything taste good and vegemite is no exception.  Adding additional fat by way of the avocado further subdues the strength of the vegemite.
Katt: Not a big fan.  I think she was mad at me for making her try it, it didn’t agree with her palate.

Final Thoughts:
Brian:For me the clear winner was the tomato and vegemite sandwich.  The combination of the sweet and tart tomato with the heavy savory taste of the vegemite reminded me of a good steak and tomato combination.  Vegemite at times takes on a taste very similar to beef bouillon.  That being said I would happily eat any of the combinations above, just remember to use vegemite sparingly.  Being extremely high in vitamin B you really can not go wrong handing someone a vegemite sandwich.
Katt: Clear winner would be a vegemite, cream cheese and tomato sandwich.  Due to vitamin B content she could see herself having a sandwich for breakfast.