Banana on toast with Marmite

 

This one is a recommendation from an old friend. I wasn't quite sure if it would work and, having made and tasted it, I still feel ambivalent. The notion of banana with a bread related vessel is well documented - see the humble banana sandwich or of course banana bread. The addition of Marmite into the mix does indeed bring the dish into the curiosity food league. But does it work?

Somehow the best bit of the strong yeasty Marmite flavour was dumbed down by the banana. Perhaps I didn't add enough Marmite? Or maybe I should have mashed the two key ingredients together to create a bananamite spread? Or the banana was over-ripe and too flavoursome? I hope my friend can shed some light in the comment field below on where I may have gone wrong.

How I made it

1. Toast the bread.
2. Spread with butter then Marmite.
3. Add the chopped banana.

Variations

There are any number of variations of this one (eg swap the Marmite for jam or chocolate spread). But these changes would render the dish unexciting, moving out of the realms of a curious concoction.

Fried egg and cornflake breakfast

This cracker is another hand-me-down from my mum. The thick, rich egg yolk mixes with the crisp cornflakes to create a deliciously crunchy, unctuous goo. Kids adore it. My one year old, Anya, is the proof.

Just like Kellogg's advertises its cornflakes, don't just save this one for breakfast.

How to make it

1. Fry a free-range (ideally organic) egg in butter. It has to be butter. Preferably salted.
2. Serve onto a plate, adding a good handful of cornflakes (any brand will do).
3. Eat. 

Variations 

Do you know, I've not tried other breakfast cereals before. I wonder as I write this if Rice Krispies (or a less dearer supermarket own label) could work? If anyone has any thoughts on this do please let me know.

Marmite, cheese and cabbage wraps

This little snackette was passed down to me by my mother. It does sound like an odd combo - it took me years to persuade my wife to try it. But she's now often seen reaching for the cabbage leaves and yeast extract.

How to make it

1. Take a decent sized outer leave off a cabbage leaf (savoy or Dutch work best).
2. Smear with Marmite to taste.
3. Add a slice or two of good strong cheddar cheese.
4. Wrap and devour.

Variations

• Omit the cheese for a less decadent snack.
• Cabbage and crunchy peanut butter wraps are an equally delightful little morsel.