Nuts, Lollies and Vegemite

Skip the potato chips and crackers while you watch the Olympics tonight and instead snack the Aussie way with a Vegemite sandwich, macadamia nuts and lollies.

Vegemite--a yeast-based spread--may be an acquired taste for Americans, but it’s an Australian kitchen staple.

It was invented by Fred Walker in Melbourne in 1922. He used brewer’s yeast blended with celery, onions and salt to make this thick black paste.

But don’t eat Vegemite by the spoon like peanut butter; a thin spread is enough. Enthusiasts warn, “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.” Angelenos can find it at Bristol Farms.

Macadamia nuts are indigenous to the rain forests of Queensland and were introduced to Hawaii and California in the late 1800s. You can plant your own tree, but it takes about seven years for the tree to bear fruit.

Kookaburra Beach ships Mango Macadamia Nut cookies anywhere in the world (www.kbeach.com.au). Or make your own koala-shaped macadamia cookies. Buy the molds at www.aussiecatalog.com, where you can also buy some lollies (Aussie word for candy.)

Lolly brands include the popular Cherry Ripe.