Secret Ingredient No. 1

It's time to unveil the first secret ingredient in the tradition of "Iron Chef", and it is.... Vegemite!

Vegemite is used in this unique oriental mushroom risotto made with red rice, in the first of a series of articles on "secret ingredients" for the iron hearted.

Vegemite is an over-salted foul tasting black breakfast spread of Australian origin. It is like to Australians what truffle is like to the French. For most, Vegemite is an acquired taste. For the unfortunate few, it was forced into our mouths from when we were babies with promises of vitamin B replacement in processed rice. Fortunately, this childhood comfort food lends itself to sweet memories of bygone years. Today, having a teaspoon of Vegemite served in the risotto with celery mesclun is something to die for.