We continue our cross-country culinary journey to Newfoundland this week. If you’re someone who believes a good meal can carry stories, memories, and even a bit of heritage, then Me Mudder’s Mudder’s Recipes: Hand-Me Downs from the Kitchens of Newfoundland and Labrador by Jennifer Leigh Hill will feel like home. This cookbook isn’t just a collection of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dishes—it’s a tapestry of family histories, cultural pride, and community love, stitched together with the warmth only a “mudder” could offer. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088530407350
Purchase any of Jennifer’s books at your local bookstore or on Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/ME-MUDDERS-RECIPES-KITCHENS-NEWFOUNDLAND/dp/B0F2GGH7QD You can also win Me Mudder in our Giveaway section and read more about her previously featured books (The Almighty Cod, The Foods of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Newfoundland’s Best Breakfasts and Brunch) on our site at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/
From the very first page, Hill sets the tone with authenticity and gratitude. Inspired by a simple off-air comment about “hand-me-downs in the kitchen,” the book celebrates just that—recipes passed from generation to generation, many scrawled on worn recipe cards or remembered from memory. But what elevates this collection is how each recipe is introduced by the person behind it. Contributors range from everyday folks to public figures, all of whom share more than ingredients—they share stories of grandmothers, bustling kitchens, and resilient communities shaped by weather, sea, and tradition.
Organized by meals—like Breakfast/Brunch, Dinner, Supper, and Desserts—the book flows like a day in a Newfoundland household. Recipes like Boiled Salt Fish from Millie Walsh not only bring forward the salty-sweet simplicity of local cuisine but also introduce us to the heart-wrenching and beautiful tribute behind her Saltwater Joys Museum and Café. Every dish, from Uncle Calvin’s Bubbly Bake by Dana Marshall to Traditional White Bread and Toutons by Bonita Hussey https://canadiancookbooks.ca/bonitas-kitchen-a-littletaste-of-home/ is rooted in history and love. Try Matt Collins’ Lobster Rolls in our Recipe section – authentic and divine! If you’re brave enough, check out the recipes for Porcupine Casserole or Smothered Grouse.
And it’s not just about the food. Hill sprinkles “A Bit of History” throughout the book, giving context to dishes and traditions. You’ll learn why tea is central to the culture, why certain days were “cook days,” and even how pancakes on Shrove Tuesday became fortune-telling treats with coins and trinkets baked inside. These anecdotes add flavor beyond the palate—they build appreciation for a region that’s often underrepresented in culinary media.
Visually, the book is unpretentious. There are no glossy, over-styled food photos—instead, it focuses on the writing and the emotional core of each contribution. This decision feels intentional, allowing the recipes and the people to shine without distraction. Hill’s narrative voice throughout is warm, down-to-earth, and gently humorous—like chatting with your aunt over a cup of strong Tetley tea. There’s an undeniable pride in every paragraph, not just for the food, but for the people and place that made it.
In a world of fast food and fleeting digital trends, Me Mudder’s Mudder’s Recipes is a pause button. It’s a reminder that the best meals aren’t always about presentation—they’re about presence, connection, and legacy. Whether you’re from Newfoundland and Labrador, have roots there, or just love heartfelt food writing, this cookbook will nourish your stomach and your soul.
Contents and images used with permission by Jennifer Leigh Hill. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088530407350
