Marmite

Most Brits will know what Marmite is; most Americans won't, and they are missing out. Marmite is a smooth dark-brown paste, whose main ingredient is brewers yeast, which has been broken down [autolysed] with salt and heat, and the solids are removed to leave yeast extract. Yummy!

Marmite is endowed with a quite strong, and absolutely unique flavor. It can be used in many ways but is traditionally spread on buttered toast (very sparingly). Because of its strong and unique flavor, people either love it or hate it. Either way the opinion is extreme; there is no middle ground. So much so that Unilever (the company that now makes Marmite) has used it as an advertising ploy, and that the word has fallen into common usage to describe such things as can only be loved or hated. E.g. "Gran Turismo is the Marmite of driving games", being that it is addictively good fun, or hatefully difficult to stay on the track.

So what do you do if you are here in the US (either a native or, like me, a Brit in self-enforced exile) and you want to get your hands on some? If you live in a city, it can often be found in supermarkets with a decent international foods section. If that fails, then Amazon will sell you some.

Lets put Marmite to work:

Marmite Cheese Savory
You can turn this delicious, intensely flavored sandwich out in about a minute. Grater coursely 100g or 4 ounces or one cup of cheddar cheese. I like mature (sharp) cheese but if it's cheddar it works. Add 25-50g or 1-2 ounces or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of finely diced onion. Spanish onion (large sweet onion) or green onion or spring onion (scallions) are the best, the small yellow cooking onion is a bit strong for most but I like it and just use a bit less. Add about 50g or 2 ounces or a tablespoon of Mayonnaise (or as needed until the mixture binds). Hellmans ("Real Mayonnaise" as it is branded in the US) is the best but whatever you have to hand will do. Finally, add 5g or 1/5 ounce or a teaspoon of Marmite. Taste it and add a bit more if desired. If it's too strong, add more Mayonnaise and/or cheese to dilute :) Spread the mixture onto toasted bread, bagel, English muffin or other bread type device. Stuff it in your gob for a taste explosion. A sprinkle of salt or pepper to taste if you like, but it should be quite intense enough without.

For real.