My friend Gina once told me of a friend of hers, a male college buddy that had invited her and her friends over for dinner. He wasn’t much of a cook and quite poverty stricken as most university students tend to be (she also told us that he would come out to eat with an empty wallet and a fork to spear bits off other people’s plates). As if to spectacularly illustrate both points he served up a single course of plain boiled rice to his dinner guests.
“Do you have any soy sauce or ketchup?” Gina asked him and shaking his head offered them salt to have with their rice. She declined. Little did he know that if he had three ingredients in his cupboard, four if he wanted to stretch it, he could have cooked the girls a lovely meal. Yes, three ingredients. And one of them is Vegemite.
Vegemite for kids-or me!
Yesterday I posted about Nigella Lawson’s Masterclass at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. During it she cooked a dish originally from Italian cookbook writer Anna Del Conte that would immediately send people’s head whipping around for a double take. Vegemite spaghetti. She assured us that despite its rather kitsch and alarming sound, it was in fact delicious and if I’ve learnt to trust one thing it’s that when she says that it’s delicious, it usually is. I will admit that Vegemite isn’t usually to my taste and every time I say it I feel terribly “Un-Australian” (whatever that may mean).
Since it had three ingredients plus parmesan cheese it was easy for me to try it. I used the Barilla wholemeal spaghetti which is the only wholemeal pasta I like although it is near to impossible to find at the store! I was recently sent My First Vegemite which is a less salty version of the savoury spread and I decided to use it here. Embarrassingly, I preferred it but not after spying the note that it was recommended for children 1+ years old. I guess that would be me!
The spaghetti was in fact quite nice. It reminded me of a treat that I make myself once every 6-12 months. When I or my mother make soy sauce chicken I keep the salty, caramelised sauce for another day and use it as a spaghetti sauce. It’s not a dish I make often as there is an absence of vegetables but I figured using wholemeal spaghetti would work in my dietary offset program (like carbon offsetting but for diets). And after trying it I must say that sure it’s not magazine spread beautiful but it tastes very good indeed.
Not Quite Nigella meets the Nigella!
And for those of you that asked, I am very excited to confirm that yes I did get to meet the Domestic Goddess one-on-one during the festival and here is a slightly blurry photo taken of us together! Which brings us to the book news. During talks with my publisher at Penguin Books it was suggested delaying the publishing date of the book so that I could include the chapter on meeting Nigella in it among other things! I thought that it was a marvellous idea; when I read Julie & Julia, I really wanted to know whether she had met Julia Child and meeting Nigella in person and chatting to her was the very best last chapter to the book I could have envisaged. We talked about food and shoes-two very important topics! So I am putting on my patience cap and waiting as the book publication date has now changed to 2012.
I know, I know, 2012 is forever away! They had to explain to me why 2012 (and I must have sounded like a baby that had had its dummy taken out). From July to September there are writer’s festivals: Sydney is in May, Byron Bay in July or August, Melbourne in August and Brisbane in September. Because there are international authors coming for these festivals as well as lots of Australian authors, the book-related publicity around that time can focus on those authors so it’s best not to publish a first-time author in those months. And many of you know that October-December is the craziest time to launch a first time author with Christmas and there is a very probable chance that it will be completely lost in the fray. So 2012 it is! But I hope you’ll agree with me that an interview with the woman that inspired the whole blog is worth holding up a book publication date for!
Speaking of Ms Lawson, I did manage to take some video of her which I didn’t have time to put up on yesterday’s post but here she is in all of her honey voiced glory! If you do want to meet her, she is doing a book signing tomorrow at David Jones Elizabeth Street Sydney store at 12:30pm this Wednesday the 16th of March.
So tell me Dear Reader, what would you have worn to meet Nigella and what would you have asked her?
Vegemite Spaghetti
Adapted from Kitchen by Nigella Lawson
- 375g dried spaghetti
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vegemite (or Marmite, Promite-I used 2 teaspoons My First Vegemite)
- freshly grated parmesan cheese to serve ( I actually preferred this without it but you might like it)
1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to directions. Drain and rinse under water keeping a cup of the pasta water.
2. In the same pan, put on the heat and evaporate the water and then melt the butter and add the Vegemite and a tablespoon of the pasta water and mix to dissolve. Add the cooked pasta and more pasta water to combine if necessary. Serve with grated parmesan cheese if you like.
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103 Comments | Add your own
I remember Nigella’s marmite spaghetti! Maybe not for me though as I can’t stand marmite or vegemite, it looks superb though!
Patiently waiting for your book!
You are so lucky to have met Nigella! I remember seeing her cooking that dish in one of her programs. Surely yummy in a very humble way!
Cheers,
Rosa
I’ve always wondered about Vegemite, it evokes such strong reactions that I want to try it. And again, it’s so awesome you met her. And while it’s going to be a great addition to the book, I’m bummed it’ll take another year
Congrats, Lorraine! I can’t wait to read about your amazing experience meeting your inspiration.
Wow! You got to meet Nigella! So cool! Sorry to hear that your book publishing date will be delayed,hope that means very early 2012…
I don’t like Marmite,which must be the same than Vegemite, so doubt I would like that spaghetti.But it still looks very good…
Amazing picture of spaghetti. Nigella meetsNot Quite Nigella must have been amazing. Wish it happens with Bordain for me someday. Oh wait, you have already done that
Lovely that you got to meet here, and even though it is feels like ages until next year, but the book will be fab and that is worth waiting for, right?!
I like Vegemite and Cheese on toast, so I can’t see why it wouldn’t work on pasta! I need to try this! I think I’d have to add some fresh cherry tomatoes too – because vegemite, cheese and tomato sandwiches are amazing!
That really IS the perfect ending for your book – I remember reading that Julia Childs wasn’t all that happy with the Julie project, so it’s lovely that you have Nigella’s seal of approval!
Exciting news!!! You two look lovely together, cant wait for 2012!
that must have been so incredible to meet her! it would have been like a dream for me! thank you for sharing this post. i really love the photo of the both of you! and cant wait for the book in 2012. i think it would be well worth waiting for!
ooooh that is so awesomely cool that you got to meet your ‘not quite’ namesake
Well done on meeting Nigella! So you’re going to do/have done an interview with her for your book? How exciting! Even though I was so looking forward to your book for this year, I think the chapter on meeting Nigella Lawson would be so valuable. You both look gorgeous!
As for what I would wear? Goodness, I don’t think it’d matter, all eyes would be on Nigella! I do love her style though – black dress and a cardi. Very chic!
What are you wearing??? i can’t really tell!!
Love the idea for the last chapter of your book, it will be sensational and worth the wait
I thought about going in to the city for the signing but lining up with a 6 month old is not a good mix and as much as I would love to meet Nigella, exactly what would I ask…besides I already own a battered worn out Kitchen!!!
She has already taught me so much through her brilliant writing and cooking.
Can’t say it looks great, but I guess I eat instant noodles just with soy sauce all the time…
Food and shoes – how lovely…!
I have to try the spaghetti recipe. I was intrigued when I read it in Kitchen.
I am working on Mr SSG to line up for the Sydney book signing on my behalf tomorrow. Perhaps he’ll do a phone video segment with Nigella for me?
SSG xxx
Boo Boo BOO that we won’t see your book till next year. Can’t you do a sneak release just for Blog readers?
I’m so thrilled you met the Legend Herself. If I were you, I SOOO would have asked whether she read your blog and, if not, shoved a pink post-it with the address into her handbag.
As for me, I just want to know what it’s REALLY like being such a sex symbol and how her hubbie and kids feel about it.
Nice pic with Nigella!
I’m not sure I can handle Vegemite spaghetti; it is the black death after all. LOL
How fantastic you got to meet THE NIGELLA!! What a perfect final chapter for your book, can’t wait to see it hit the shelves!
Congrats Lorraine must seem a bit surreal at times!
Mel.
Ahhhhh you met her!!!!! So awesome!!!!!!!! I’m dyiiiing to go to meet her at DJS in the city tomorrow but I’m working. I got so excited when I heard about it on the radio this morning, I posted on your fb page haha..
Man that lady looks amazing for 51!
How exciting for you! And heartfelt congratulations on your book. As for the Vegemite Spaghetti…I think it is a cultural thing. Even though I lived in London for a time, I never quite became a fan. But I love the post for all that it is!
That’s brilliant, hun! And sucks about book time but it does make sense and it will be so much more exciting with the ‘full circle’ chapter. And though I love Nigella and your recipes, Vegemite is not my friend so I’m still sceptical
How very cool you got to meet Nigella herself!
I’d love to meet her one day too, shame I’ve got work, else, I’d make a beeline to DJs tmr
Absolutely beautiful photo of the two of you. Since I oft wear black and beige there could have been another match in the making! Dream on, lady!
Adore pasta (my hips don’t agree!) – but shall be honest: soy, oyster, hoi sin etc sauces, oh yes, Vegemite of any salt content – may I pass please!
Now I have heard everything – vegemite spaghetti – it wouldn’t go down well in Italy. I have tried givng vegemite to friends here and they hate it.
Wow Lorraine, how exciting meeting Nigella
I never heard of vegemite…have a wonderful week!
I like the sound of vegemite spaghetti
I’m so jealous you got to meet Nigella. I missed seeing her in London when she was launching her iphone app at the Apple store. Love the pic of both of you 
Yipppeeeee!!!! I am so glad that you met with her… it would have been just wrong if you hadn’t. Of course I have a million questions but I will have to be a good little girl and wait for the book.
I think one of the truly awful things about Julie & Julia was that not only did they not meet but Julia thought Julie was a waste of space. Your story has a happy ending… the 2 of you look like you could be buddies. It’s amazing when you get to meet a hero in anything… I am so pleased for you!!!
Bravo on getting the perfect last chapter for your book, although with your following I dont know about the timing issues being such a biggie! To meet N I would find a figure hugging black dress cos I ahve a lot of figure to hug with oh maybe a beige denim jacket. I wished you had photographed her striped shoes per yesterdays post! Mind you I got a double ping yesterday seeing Matt Preston in the background of the Nigella shot. And a little beef I really hope your friend Gina is an American cos that ‘college buddy’ description is not really an Oz saying, I have ‘old uni mates/friends/crowd’ Keep it Owstraylian Laraayne. What a good time you have been having. More Vancouver posts coming?
Your pashmina is gorgeous!! Unfortunately, I am not so stylish, so will probably be wearing jeans and a tee shirt if I ever run into Nigella
I would probably have to ask her how she can eat so many midnight snacks and keep such a gorgeous figure 
Hi Therese-Gina is Canadian so the term college buddy is apropos
….more importantly! What shoes did you have on? lol
….will be looking forward to your book next year.
Susie Q
Wow! Yum sounds good, but weird
Missed the video on the first ‘sail-thru’! Thanks for that (tho’ the sound from my speakers was bad) – she IS such a fluent speaker. And one got onto the further references! Great!
The secret to enjoying vegemite has always been lots of butter so glad to see that item in the recipe! It does look good enough to try at least once!
That’s so sweet you got to meet her (I’m wondering if I can fit in the book signing on my 1-hour break tomorrow)
I thought it was sad in Julie & Julia when Julie found out what Julia thought of her blog!
I looooove vegemite, your dish looks like something I would very much enjoy D:
Hi Susie-I had on black suede Charles David’s which she said she loved and she was wearing a very fetching pair of Gina shoes! I was immensely flattered!
This is funny… but I did get to meet her yesterday at a luncheon hosted by Dymocks and I was too awe-ed and shocked that I completely forgot to ask her this question ‘What would her last meal be?’
She is such a nice and truly genuninely warm person. I might just head to DJs tomorrow ;p to see if I can meet her again!
Oooh – how exciting! I bet she was as charming in real life as she is in print and on the telly. Sad your book is delayed – but it will be worth the wait in the end…
The vegemite sketti looks awesome. I’m going to try and con Mr K into making me some for lunch…
I love Vegemite, I love Barilla, I love wholemeal pasta and I love Parmesan – sounds like reason enough to make this dish!! xo
I was wondering if you had met her. So glad you did!
You beat me to it…I was planning to make this tonight!
I can’t believe it’s a whole year till your book comes out Lorraine! Augh!
Having a 1-on-1 with Nigella must have been awesome. That is something definitely worth waiting for (will there be a chapter on shoes? Hope so!)
My dad’s Italian and we’ve grown up with his invention called Vegemite Rice. It’s like a risotto with lots of butter, Parmesan and a spoonful of Vegemite stirred through. Everyone has always been appalled at the idea but it’s not so different to using a beef stock cube. Same saltiness. Vegemite spaghetti, to me, doesn’t seem odd at all, although I think I’d prefer the goopiness of rice.
I’m so glad you got to meet her. She certainly comes across as being a genuine person. AND, we will all wait for your book, but with great anticipation.
Wooot! You finally got to meet Nigella! That’s so awesome and so is this vegemite spag!
Yes, def inc this in the book
I tried Vegemite on our trip and wasn’t anxious to try it again. Maybe I’d have to start with the baby stuff too. I’m disappointed I have to wait so long for the book now. xoxo Mum
How wonderful for you Lorraine, what you wore was perfect. Was it super exciting? Were you shaking all over? Was she SUPER impressed with you?
The Veg Spag looks amazing too. Im crazy for the Vegemite.
This sounds really interesting but as I’ve said yesterday, I prefer bovril over vegemite. Not sure why.
ooooooh, what a lovely photo of both of you! Does she know about your blog? What did you ask her? What????
How exciting!!! Yes, the book is now complete. xxx
I went to see Nigella too, but on Saturday. A person in the audience complained that the amount of Vegemite she used was too expensive – “like gold”, they said. Nigella helpfully explained that she made it strong on purpose – LOL. I think she was wonderful. I didn’t even give any thought as to what I would wear, as I did not know she was doing a book signing so I just wore any old thing. As I didn’t bring any of my books, I said hello, and asked her to sign my conference program – which she gracefully did. I told her I was pleased to meet her, and she smiled that gorgeous smile and said, “Pleasure”. Probably the only woman in the universe who could make me go weak at the knees – sigh …
OK Niki – your Dad’s rice I just may try! P’raps I’ll ‘get rid’ of my lifelong loathing of Vegemite! Thanks heaps!
Am I the only one the thinks this sounds yummy? I’m a real fan of Vegemite -not Marmite though.. Too strong for me
2012? Lorraine! I simply shan’t survive until then! Okay, might have to rearrange our plans now so that I come up for our day together *before* your book is published
Also, I’m very glad you increased the vegemite to 2 tsp. 1 tsp sounds way too namby-pamby to me
Are you going to frame your photo? How fantastic that you got to meet her and yes the book will be worth the wait to finish it with meeting Nigella!
Wooo you guys look so great together. And you’re clothes are kind of matching. Weird! 2012, I can totally wait
I hope that you are going to give details about the chicken dish she was talking about in the video! I am like you and can’t really cook things unless they have a lot of nutrients in it. I know of a few recipes like that in her how to eat book, but have never tried them.
Lorraine, that is lovely that you got to meet her. Regarding your book launch 2012 will be here before you know it.
Hi Susan-the recipe for her praised chicken dish is here: http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/my-mothers-praised-chicken-5155
Aaaarrggh! TOMORROW?? In Sydney? :/ I need a teleporter, haha! I love Vegemite, so I’m sure I’d love this dish, and yes I’d add tomatoes too. When I was a poor uni student, we survived on many rice and soy sauce meals….ahhh, the memories!
Boo to the book delay (but yay it’s going ahead!) and I’m a bit nervous about seeing her tomorrow! Do you suppose I should arrive early? I’d imagine there will be a particularly long line at DJ’s.
haha crazy! congrats on everything Lorraine! And I almost tried vegemite ONCE at a concert with a band called “hillsong” from Australia! And they were passing it around the audience
but I didn’t get around to it.
2012?!? that is a long way to go… but hey, you need to listen to the experts
Vegemite spaghetti is my hangover food.
Gosh, if you weren’t such a lovely person, sometimes I could really be jealous of you
. Nigella is stylish, so I’d wear something fashionable (but not necessarily trendy). What would I ask her? How does she feel about strangers who come up to her and want to talk to her. (Cause my friend and I were in that position, but we just chickened out).
*kisses* HH
I guess when you eat noodles with soy sauce this dish isn’t such a far stretch. I like the way you twirled the pasta.
Congrates on your book. I’m so jealous.Lucky you meeting Nigella Lawson. I love her!
I would have worn something cute & quirky.Not sure what I would have asked.I guess when is your next book coming out.
We have lots of wholewheat Barilla pasta here but no Vegemite or Marmite (something someone who isn’t British or Australian cannot grasp anyway…). I can however see how this may be very tasty. How about I send you the pasta and you send me the Vegemite…
I love Vegemite, in fact I just had a big pile of it smeared on some rice crackers, so this is saying all sorts of good things to me. Well, not entirely sure I approve of the kids version, but I approve of it much more than the cheesy version!
Also, do not fear, with the way this year is roaring by I am sure 2012 will be here before we know it.
Yay! you did get to meet her. And you guys were wearing matching ensembles!
That wholewheat pasta is really hard to get isn’t it! any tips?
I’ve been meaning to make this recipe for a while – definitely up for it now.
Wish I could meet Nigella in person (lovely pic btw), I’m a bit scared by the line up at DJs
I’ve always been curious about vegetmite!
I also wondered if you got to meet the wonderful Ms Lawson and you did! Great to see you colour coordinated too! It is a lovely photo. A bummer about the book delay though, as no doubt like all of your readers, I was really looking forward to it and disappointed to have to wait until next year. Still, as they say, all good things…! Vegemite spaghetti – interesting!
How exciting to meet Nigella one on one! And I love the sound of vegemite spaghetti, yum!
Lorraine, you and The Nigella look so matchy-matchy, almost like you planned it, lol! I was hoping you’d meet her, yay. And I must say I actually like Vegemite, it’s a great pick-me-up on wholemeal toast. Never thought about trying it on pasta though.
OMG!!! Everything about this post is thrilling form the spaghetti to your meeting with Nigella. I cannot wait for your book to come out
xo
Vegemite reminds me of I Love Lucy. I think she did a show about selling a product with a similar name. It broke me up.
Anyway…how fun you met Nigella. Is she as pretty as she appears? And because TV adds pounds, I bet she’s a lot thinner than you expected too!
I am not a fan of Vegemite either, but I can somehow imagine that the Vegemite/Parmesan cheese combo could taste wonderful. I look forward to seeing your book published in 2012, I’d definitely get a copy…:D)!!
how amazing!! the pic is goregous, and yes i agree you must add that chapter..everyone would be thrilled to read about the experience!!! i have yet to try vegamite, but your pic has me curious..
sweetlife
finally- N and NQN together!
Oh that’s definitely got to make the book. Good call, despite it delaying publication. I love that you both had dark hair and are wearing similar colours. As for the spaghetti? My daughter loves vegemite and loves pasta, so I’ll be trying it out at my place.
Lorraine, That works out so perfectly to end your book with you and Nigella meeting. Your outfit even matches hers:) I’m so happy for you that you were able to meet her! I will anxiously, but patiently, wait for your book in 2012.
I’ve never noticed vegemite in the market here, but now I’ll have to look for it.
Hi Lorraine, lovely to meet you at the festival. I can’t believe you got a pic with Nigella, I certainly regret I didn’t ask for one! Look forward to reading the interview in full in the book – keep me in the loop!
My interview’s in the paper tomorrow. Cheers, Jenny from The West Aussie
I have wondered what vegamite is. The spaghetti is intriguing. The picture with Nigella, well what can I say, “Two Gorgeous Women” who don’t need shoes to look glamorous or sexy.” Of course, shoes don’t hurt (well, some do).
Yay, you got to meet Nigella and have a pic taken!
Oh no, 2012 , your book was going to be my Mother’s Day present this year
Vegemite spaghetti? Even though I love Vegemite, the Italian in me says No Way. lol
I would have worn my ‘Sunday Best’, admittedly I always do , just can’t bring myself to venture out of the house in casual gear. The question I would have asked her “How many cardigans do you own?”
am very sad to hear we will have to wait so long for your book but am excited about the Nigella chapter – does that me your book will be called nigella and nigella
While it’s sad your book has been delayed I think it’s a great idea to include a chapter on meeting Nigella.
I’m so jealous you got to meet her!
As much as I love vegemite, I’m not sure I could eat vegemite spaghetti. Although I shouldn’t knock something I haven’t tried yet.
Wow! That’s so great that you got to meet Nigella! The photo of the two of you is really pretty, despite its slight blurriness. I would love to meet her one day! If I was able to, I would’ve gone into the city to meet her at DJs.
And how exciting that you get to have a chapter about meeting her in your book! Can’t wait to read it…even if it doesn’t come out until next year!
What would I have worn to meet her? Probably all black with a coloured scarf (a light one, so I wouldn’t sweat everywhere! LOL) What would I have asked her? Um… probably something like, “Can you please teach me something foolproof to cook?” Me + cooking = a big no-no!
As for vegemite spaghetti…hmmm…I’ll have to pass on that. I’m not a fan of vegemite at all, and the Italian part of me is saying “That’s so wrong!!”
I used to love making vegemite veggies for my kids when they were little – mashed every type of vegies mixed with a little butter and vegemite. YUM!
I am going to have to make this now.
I love vegemite, and will have to try the low salt version now. I think the book chapter is a fantastic idea, but hope you have a less blurry photo for the dust jacket! I’d like to ask Nigella where she gets her little jacket cardigans from as they are so so very chic.
Dietary offset program! LOL! You make me giggle!
Oh I was so looking forward to reading your book this year! Patience, darling, forever comes very quickly! And how lucky!!!! to have met Nigella and taken this class with her! Fabulous! And I love the few words of hers that you shared. Photogenic food takes priority. Sad isn’t it, when some of the most delicious food is rather plain looking! Thanks for sharing and lucky you!
vegemite spaghetti! never heard of it but wow that is every busy mum’s perfect meal!
you look gorgeous with nigella, gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!! I’d wear a nice dress and little cardigan to meet nigella – you lucky thing!
sigh – we have to wait longer for your book but how fabulous to include meeting nigella – it will be worth it!
corrie;)
Wonderful! Must try the recipe
Erm 2012! How dreadful to wait so long for your book but it’s exciting to read the 1-on-1 with Nigella though 
Good choice all over!
I agree it is worth holding the book for – but must be frustrating for you to wait!
My goodness I love the idea of this dish. I love Barilla wholemeal pasta too – the best. 2012 for your book makes sense, with what your publisher is saying. No worries – we’ll just be extra hungry for it
I love that you met Nigella. You looked beautifully, albeit blurry, in the pic 
I would have worn some sort of cute 50s dress – that makes me feel like a domestic goddess. I would have too much to ask her! I would probably be lame though and ask her something like “what is your favourite dish” or maybe travel/eating tips!
Heidi xo
You must have been so excited! What an honour for her too!!
But OMG, I think NB would die if I served him Vegemite spaghetti! It would be quite the laugh
I nearly cried when I heard Nigella L had made Vegemite pasta. This dish is near and dear to my heart. My brother and I would devour bowl after bowl of this delicious, salty, slippery pasta when we were little tikes! As mum had to juggle work and home life – Vegemite pasta was the perfect throw together meal. I still make it every now and then when I’m down in the dumps and can’t get a mum cuddle.
Ok…just tested that one and it was delicious! YUM!
How totally fabulous! and it will be a wonderful addition to your book, it’s like it was destined to be. Someone else I know was luck enough to meet Nigella as well, she seems quite lovely.
That is such an odd story about the guy inviting people to dinner and serving them rice……I don’t even know what to say about it. I might try out the Vegemite spaghetti, both are a fav with my kids and with the cheese added I think it will be a hit.
i do love nigella’s voice. i wonder if she ever reads for books on tape…
This recipe brought back memories of an uncle making vegemite rice for my sister and I when we were kids. We loved it! I think it was just brown rice fried with a bit of vegemite and maybe butter… might try it for lunch today!
I’ve previously made Vegemite spaghetti and it is delicious!
Me too, I love Barilla’s wholemeal pasta. I so miss it, since I returned to Australia. I did ask Barilla if they’d sell it in Australia. Today I received an email from them, that Woolworths will stock it from April this year. Great news!
Yum! I’m just eating this now, such a tasty lunch today
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