Product of the month- Marmite XO

From its humble beginnings in a small factory (based just two miles from the Bass Brewery) in Burton-on-Trent (circa 1902), we have seen Britain's favourite (or most hated, depending whether you're part of the marmarati or not) spread, grow from a simple, resourceful idea, into a susuccessful and bang up to date product.

Derived from the French word, describing a stock pot or cooking pot (as pictured on the jar), Marmite comes in many limited edition flavours. Tantalising delights such as Guinness and Champagne flew off the shelves, along with all manner of merchandise.

The story begins in the mid 19th Century, when German chemist, Liebig, discovered the base of the sticky black spread, brewers yeast, a discarded by-product of the fermenting industry. With further development, he discovered that it made a good (and completely vegetarian) meat substitute. He spent years researching and studying the substance, and thanks to his works, we now have the OXO Cube as well as Marmite!

And now we come to the next chapter in the Marmite chronicles- Marmite XO. This is only suitable for the most dedicated, hardcore fans. Matured for 28 days, as opposed to the regular seven, the spread is said to be four times stronger than any ordinary Marmite.

All I can say is wow! How can such a bitter, strong flavour be so complex and pleasant at the same time? It's caused quite a kerfuffle in the taste-bud department, and I have to say, I'm loving it a bit more than the original! So to celebrate Marmite XO in all it's glory, I've teamed it with another ace ingredient, Double Gloucester cheese and made some fantastic cheese straws.

Marmite XO Cheese Straws
75g Double Gloucester Cheese
50g Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/3 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Marmite XO (or to taste)
50g Butter
1 Egg yolk

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C
2. Grate the cheese into a large mixing bowl
3. Sift the flour, baking powder and pepper into the cheese
4. Cut the butter into chunks and rub into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs
5. Lightly beat the Marmite XO and the egg yolk in a bowl, add this to the mixture until a stiff dough is formed
6. Place dough onto a floured surface and lightly spread into two rectangles roughly 9x3 inches (I used my hands for this)
7. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 straws and place onto an ungreased baking sheet
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden in colour

These keep for ages in an airtight tin- if you don't end up eating them in one sitting!