“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!