So today, as I trawled the web in search of a morsel of inspiration for my over-worked, under-paid mind, I stumbled accross a FABULOUS recipe for Marmite on toast! The BBC Good Food website, which thankfully states that ‘every recipe is tested before publication’, decided to do the right thing and publish a brilliant recipe on a great British staple.
This recipe, like many others of its kind, contains three key ingredients: bread, butter and, of course, Marmite. However, these clever cooks have also jazzed up a household favourite with the addition of an extra special ingredient (optional): a bayleaf!
Take a look at their mouthwatering concoction:
Notice the bayleaf
The absolute best thing about this web page however, was the amazing commentary underneath. It was genuinly heartwarming to read that so many of the British public were enthused by this steadfast dish. One commentator, who admitted to having had marital problems in the bedroom, confirmed that:
“[a]s soon as [my wife] tasted this particular batch everything changed! We have been so close this week and are now trying for another child. I think it was the bay leaf. Thanks so much.”
Other commentators congratulated the BBC Good Food website on their marmite recipe and shared their own versions of it. ‘Kay Trillo Blanco’ comments: “I tried this recipe and found that there was a little too much marmite for my personal tastes so I substituted marmalade for marmite and now it is one of my favoritec.” [sic] Similarly, ‘spunchard’ writes: “I had to make a few substitutions (a jacket potato for the bread, cheese for the Marmite, and chopped spring onion for the bayleaf), but it still turned out really well.” At Film and Fodder we tried out a version of the recipe that substituted bread for chocolate, marmite for chocolate and butter for chocolate and it all turned out swimmingly! The bayleaf was kept for aesthetic purposes.
Other commentators on the website noted the intense nostalgia they felt at reproducing such a classic, timeless recipe. ‘Tilly’ wrote: “This is a recipe my mother handed down to me, I’ve always been reluctant to do it as I was nervous it wouldn’t taste as good as hers… no need for me to worry, turned out perfectly Thank You so much for bringing back some childhood memories.” [sic] What could be more heartwarming than that?
On a more worrying note, however, a few readers expressed concern with the recipe itself. One commentator, who evidently followed the BBC good food’s recommendation to use ‘warburtons seeded batch’, stated: “On my first attempt, I managed to thoroughly decimate the seeded bread, perhaps due to it’s fragile consistency. However, once I had replaced the bread for a more sturdy wholemeal pitta, this recipe was a great success!” [sic] I wouldn’t be surprised if the BBC took steps to avoiding such negative commentary by modifying their recipe and making it more open towards the use of other bread products. Have they considered those of us who might be gluten-intolerant for example? I think not.
Other additions that might be made to said recipe would be a bit more conciseness as to the application of the marmite. ‘Mary_Poppins’ for example, was totally stumped at one point in the process, frantically writing:
“Does it matter what side of the toast the marmite goes on?”
What’s more, it doesn’t appear that the BBC took the time to reply (how rude!). A bit more detail and they’d be able to clear up such matters in a jiffy.
At Film and Fodder, we gave this recipe 4 stars. The key ingredients were present, the application process was clear and the addition of the bayleaf gave the recipe an extra special quality. However, a point was lost due to the lack of detail within the making-process and in the narrow-minded bread views of the BBC chef.
Will we be making this again? Perhaps with our own modifications and subsititutions, yes. What more can I say? You either love it, or hate it.
Film & Fodder 
Well I am certainly glad you brought this to my attention F&F! Afternoon munchies won’t be the same. Although I do think that or lack of marmite I will be substituting it for peanut butter with a raspberry jam garnish.
It’s such a versatile recipe, you can substitute it for anything! :p
Hello Amy and Hannah!
Love your Marmite feature – a classic to be sure! But just try it with a few slices of avocado on top – it’ll blow your mind – best snack ever! For more Marmite laughs try getting someone French to eat it – many an hilarious moment to be had! Love the blog
Jo Cole-Goodwin
Thank you! We’ll definitely try out the marmite and avocado recipe. Two delicious ingredients…what could go wrong? 🙂
Next week I plan on giving Marmite to a group of Spaniards, so I’ll let you know if it’s as funny as the French reaction sounds!
Really glad you like the blog.
Hannah