From the first page of Screech: More Than Just a Down ‘N’ Dirty, Hill invites us into a kitchen that smells of spices, salt-air, laughter and long-shared drinks and meals. The title might suggest a rough-and-ready, “down ‘n’ dirty” story, but what she actually serves is so much more: a rich blend of drink, food, heritage and heart. Hill draws on historical references along with anecdotal input by Newfoundland residents.
Rattlin’ Bog at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/rattlin-bog/
Hill’s voice is warm and conversational. She doesn’t talk down to the reader as if they’re being taught historical data; instead, she welcomes you into the mix, using local language and information as seasoning in the narrative. These back-stories lend emotional depth — you’re not just reading about a beloved drink — you’re reading about identity, survival and home.
The background section on the role of sugar cane in the slave trade and how it impacted the import of rum is insightful and explains the exchange between rum and cod. Out of the dark history emerges a partnership between the Caribbean and the Rock. Hill takes you on the journey of the lowly sugar cane to Rum and then morphing into Screech during the war…a history of lives lost, industry gained and a culture of a beloved drink emerges. Purchase the book at https://www.amazon.ca/Screech-More-than-Just-Dirty/dp/B0FTZN5ZB8/ref or win a copy in our Giveaway section. The perfect Christmas gift for the rum lover on your list!
On the culinary side, the book provides a myriad of cocktails plus both sweet and savoury uses in the kitchen. It’s the holiday season so we thought you’d like to try The Newfoundland Buzz Christmas Shed Slush in our Recipe section. The use of a Pepsi product opens a whole section on the boycott of Coca-Cola products to be replaced by the Pepsi brand on the island. While you’re sipping your slush, try our Chocolate Screech Cake with Chocolate Coconut Icing at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/chocolate-screech-cake-with-chocolate-coconut-icing/ Perfect for your holiday table!
Everyone has heard of being “Screeched In” by kissing a cod in a local bar. There’s an entire section of how this tradition developed and the role of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation to officially endorse the right of passage. You can get a certificate from them at https://screechrum.com/images/certificate/Newfoundland-Screech-Certificate-1.pdf Let the shenanigans begin!
Congratulations to Jennifer Leigh Hill on being nominated for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in the Spirits category for 2025. To be chosen one of 43 countries explored is a great honour. Good luck, Jennifer! https://www.cookbookfair.com/images/pdf/DRINKS%20Nominees%20for%20the%2031st%20Gourmand%20Awards%20OCTOBER%202025.pdf
In the end, Screech: More Than Just a Down ‘N’ Dirty is a satisfying feast. It’s rich (though not heavy), accessible (though layered), and with a warm aftertaste of heart. If you enjoy memoirs that centre around history, rum and heritage — and if you like reading in a comfy chair while sipping a beloved drink — this book will deliver.
Contents and images used with permission by Jennifer Leigh Hill. https://www.amazon.ca/Screech-More-than-Just-Dirty/dp/B0FTZN5ZB8/ref