Imagine thumbing through a cookbook that feels like a stroll along a windswept Newfoundland shoreline — salt spray in the air, a kettle singing on the stove, and the promise of big, bold flavours to come. Storm the Kettle: Resetting the Newfoundland Table delivers exactly that: a rich, thoughtful journey through the culinary crossroads of Newfoundland and the wider world.
At its core, this isn’t just a collection of recipes. It’s a celebration of food as culture, heritage, and evolution. Authors Elaine Feore and Joanne Goudie — both seasoned cooks and former co-owners of the beloved Blue Fish Bistro in Grand Falls-Windsor — bring a unique perspective to their kitchen table. They honor Newfoundland’s deep connection to its past while embracing the global flavours that have washed ashore over the decades.
The title itself — Storm the Kettle — is a charming nod to Newfoundland vernacular, meaning to boil water quickly for a cup of tea, or a “mug up.” That sense of spontaneity and hospitality runs throughout the book, inviting cooks to gather, share, and enjoy good food together.
The layout and design mirror this ethos beautifully. Each recipe is paired with warm, evocative photography and sidebars that delve into the history and culinary evolution of Newfoundland. It’s the kind of cookbook that feels as rooted in place as it does in conversation — you can almost hear the laughter around the kitchen table as you browse.
But what truly makes Storm the Kettle stand out is the fusion of local and international influences. Yes, there are nods to Newfoundland’s beloved staples — cod takes centre stage in dishes like Salt Cod Soup, Cod Tacos, and Poached Cod with Mixed Vegetables — but these are presented through a fresh, contemporary lens that keeps you curious.
Turn the page and you’ll find Thai Beef Skewers seasoned with lively spices, Greek Phyllo Chicken draped in lemon béchamel, and crisp Fattoush that crackles with Mediterranean brightness. Appetizers like Turnip “Fries” with Crispy Prosciutto and balsamic dressing playfully reinvent a humble root vegetable, proving that even the simplest ingredients can shine with creativity. Since Easter is around the corner, you’ll want to try the Asian Racks of Lamb in our Recipe section. Traditional with a dash of exotic for your holiday table.
What I love most about this book is how it bridges tradition and innovation without ever feeling forced. It respects Newfoundland’s rugged culinary roots — the hearty stews, the seafood, the simple ingredients — while confidently opening the door to broader gastronomic horizons. You’re never told to choose one over the other; instead, you’re encouraged to explore all the delicious possibilities.
For home cooks seeking something beyond the ordinary, Storm the Kettle is a treasure. Its recipes are approachable yet adventurous, its storytelling evocative without being lofty, and its heart rooted deeply in Newfoundland hospitality. Whether you’re drawn to the familiar warmth of seafood chowders or the enticing allure of global spices, this book invites you to reset your kitchen table — and your palate — one thoughtful, flavour-packed recipe at a time. Purchase a copy at Storm the Kettle | Detail or go to our Giveaway section and win this delicious book!
This isn’t just a cookbook — it’s a culinary passport. Warm, grounded, and endlessly inventive, Storm the Kettle will inspire you to cook, share, and celebrate food in ways that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Contents and images used with permission by Whitecap Books. Storm the Kettle | Detail