At Camille Styles, our love of delicious, nourishing food runs deep. In-person and on Slack, our conversations inevitably gravitate to what we’re currently cooking in our kitchens across the country. From our best taco recipes to soups when the cozy season calls for it to our enduring passion for sweet potatoes—food is endless fodder for conversation. And the dish that’s in constant rotation in my kitchen right now? Sara Forte’s blackened salmon recipe with tropical pico from her new cookbook, Around Our Table: Wholesome Recipes to Feed Your Family and Friends.

As the creator behind the healthy cooking site Sprouted Kitchen, Sara is an expert at making fresh, delicious dishes accessible to an ever-expanding audience. Her recipes pair creativity with honesty—acknowledging that as much as we’d wish otherwise, our time in the kitchen is limited. Sara understands food as a core tenet of the larger pursuit of wellness. And though that translates to nutrition, nourishment also takes into account what’s possible with the resources we have.

What’s more, food is also a means of connection. It’s the foundation for intimate moments spent in the company of family and friends. Sara’s latest cookbook, Around Our Table, creates space for this comprehensive understanding of food. It’s the sort of cookbook that evolves alongside of you. Instead of being steeped in shifting food trends, it serves as a guide for how food can support your life—no matter the season.

We sat down with Sara to talk about the intention behind her latest release. As she reflects, Sara’s passion for incorporating food into a full life is evident. Her recipes are on-the-fly friendly, bringing color and creativity to the table while keeping things simple and streamlined.

Blackened Salmon With Tropical Pico

“This is your salmon for a crowd,” Sara writes in her cookbook. Whereas other salmon recipes forgo flavor for simplicity, Sara leans on fresh, heavy-hitting ingredients to streamline the prep and deliver a delicious meal, every time.

We also love that this salmon—and its accompanying pico—can be served in endless ways. Sara tops fish tacos with the pico or adds a little heft to the salsa with avocado for a standout, standalone appetizer. (With crunchy, salty chips, of course.)

Serving tips for your salmon abound. She enjoys it best “[…] generously seasoned and served with some punchy pineapple pico and avocado.” (I.e., the exact recipe you’re getting below.) “I serve it with coconut rice, but it could just as easily be wrapped into a burrito or even served over greens. This dish makes for excellent lunch leftovers, so don’t overthink the suggested serving number.”

And contrary to popular belief, salmon isn’t a year-round dish. Sara notes that you’ll find the freshest fish between May and September. And while frozen fillets work in a pinch, she advises staying away from “thin, flimsy tail-end pieces.”

With those expert tips in mind, read on for Sara’s blackened salmon recipe with tropical pico. And be sure to pick up Around Our Table for more recipes to keep in your everyday arsenal.

Excerpted with permission from Around Our Table by Sara Forte published by Hardie Grant Publishing, April 2024, RRP $40.00 Hardcover.

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There was a time in my life when I didn’t understand the hype behind an electric kettle. Even in the colder months, Austin’s weather often has me opting for a green smoothie in lieu of a latte or tea. But in the spirit of leveling up all areas of my life and romanticizing even the most mundane moments, warm bevvies—and their inherent coziness—are now a staple in my routine. So of course, this change of heart prompted me to seek out the best of the best electric kettle. Spoiler alert: I’ve been changed for the better.

Like any kitchen appliance, there are a few factors to consider when deciding on the best electric kettle. You’ll need to evaluate what you’ll be using your kettle for, how often, and how much water you’re looking to heat up. (Do you keep to one pour-over or are you a full pot kind of person? Be honest.)

If the hunt seems a bit overwhelming—never fear. We’ve rounded up the best electric kettles for all your warm and cozy needs.

The Best Electric Kettles to Level up Your Morning Routine

This comprehensive list has an electric kettle for just about everyone. From affordable options to luxury splurges, these kettles will make brewing the perfect bev a breeze. With stunning colors, innovative elements, and easy-to-use specs, you’re sure to find your fave.

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Electric Kettle Overall: Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle – $165 at Fellow
2. Best Basic Electric Kettle: Breville 57oz Soft Top Pure Stainless Steel Electric Kettle – $89.95 at Target
3. Best Budget Electric Kettle: Bodum 34oz Electric Bistro Gooseneck Water Kettle – $59.99 at Target
4. Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle: Stagg EKG Electric Kettle – $195 at Fellow
5. Best Aesthetic Electric Kettle: Alessi Plissé White Electric Kettle – $109 at Care & Barrel

1. Best Electric Kettle Overall: Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle

This is THE electric kettle. Whether you opt for the classic matte black or one of the Wooden Accent models, the Corvo EKG Kettle will be a staple in your morning/evening routine. The kettle keeps heat time to a minimum while still providing exact temperature control. We also love that it isn’t excessively heavy—making pouring your water less of a hassle.

Pros:

• Exact temperature control
• Hold mode to maintain temperature
• Quick heat time
• Minimalist design

Cons:

• No auto shut-off option
• Small volume for the price

Specs:

• Capacity: 0.9 L to max fill line
• Heating element: 1200-watt

2. Best Basic Electric Kettle: Breville 57oz Soft Top Pure Stainless Steel Electric Kettle

If you’re looking for a fairly simple electric kettle to add to your kitchen, this stainless steel kettle from Breville is your best bet. The soft opening lid prevents any hot water spills or splashes and helps to stagger the steam release. Its 360-degree base has concealed storage for the kettle’s cord and a removable scale filter.

Pros:

• Soft top lid gently releases steam and prevents potentially hazardous hot water splashes
• Auto shut-off lid
• BPA free materials

Cons:

• Only sold in stainless steel finish
• Slight discoloration of plastic pieces over time

Specs:

• Capacity: 1.7 L
• Heating element: 1800-watt concealed element

3. Best Budget Electric Kettle: Bodum 34oz Electric Bistro Gooseneck Water Kettle

This slim and stunning appliance is one of the best electric kettles for those looking for a less pricey option. The temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle makes it the perfect addition for all your hot coffee and tea needs while enhancing your aesthetic space. Our Managing Editor, Isabelle has had this kettle for over two years and her love is still going strong. The sleek design is perfect for a small kitchen with limited counter space, and her only qualm is the limited temperature control options.

Pros:

• Back-lit LED display
• Multiple steam vents for stable internal pressure
• Less expensive than other models

Cons:

• Limited temperature control options
• Start button screen is difficult for some users

Specs:

• Capacity: 34 fl oz
• Heating element: 1200-watts

4. Best Gooseneck Electric Kettle: Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

If you’re looking to splurge on any of these kettles, let it be this one. The Stagg kettle features a slim gooseneck spout for perfecting your pour-overs. Additionally, this kettle comes with exact temperature control and a speedy heat time.

Pros:

• Numerous color options + wooden handles
• To-the-degree temperature control
• 60-minute hold mode

Cons:

• Higher price than most electric kettles
• A slow pour from the spout
• Sensitive over-boiling feature

Specs:

• Capacity: 0.9 L
• Heating element: 1200-watt

5. Best Aesthetic Electric Kettle: Alessi Plissé White Electric Kettle

This electric kettle is the perfect pick for the design-oriented. While it leans on the more expensive side, its aesthetic value is worth every penny. Not only is this electric kettle an appliance that you’ll use on the daily, but it’s also one that can be left on display in your kitchen for all to take in its beauty.

Pros:

• Comes in black or white
• Artful and aesthetic design
• Quick boil time
• Cordless

Cons:

• Made entirely from thermoplastic resin
• Lighter and less sturdy compared to models made from heavier materials

Specs:

• Capacity: 57.5 fl oz / 33.8 fl ox
• Heating element: 1500-watt

Other Electric Kettles to Consider

Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Cuisinart Cordless Electric Kettle

Convenience meets functionality with this electric kettle from Target’s Hearth & Hand line. For a reasonably priced kettle, this pick has plenty of power at 1500 watts and room to spare with a capacity of 1.7 liters. The 360-degree base connector acts as a cordless power base that takes up minimal room in any kitchen.

Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Kettle

With this kettle from Zwilling, you won’t have to worry about spills when pouring your hot beverage. The outside remains cool to the touch while the double-walled body keeps your drink perfectly hot. This kettle comes in a stunning matte black or stainless steel and holds 51 ounces.

Fellow Clyde Electric Kettle

If you’re after an option that doubles as a countertop centerpiece, this pick from Fellow takes the cake. The kettle features a drip-free pour spout, a heat-resistant handle, and a 1.5-liter capacity and comes in green and black.

KitchenAid ® 1.25-Liter Silver Electric Tea Kettle

Sleek and streamlined, this kettle is the pick for the minimalists among us. Its pared-back exterior aligns with any style and the modern features ensure a perfect cuppa. With a smooth stainless steel body and LED features, it’s the elevated version of the traditional tea kettle we all know and love.

How to Pick an Electric Kettle

There are a couple of important elements to consider when selecting the best electric kettle. As one beverage drinker’s needs may be different than another’s, we’ve laid out the top three things you should consider before making your purchase.

Kettle Capacity

How much water are you planning on heating up? Do you drink several cups of coffee or tea? Capacity is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing your perfect electric kettle. You may want to stick to a capacity of around 1.5-1.7L or more if you’re brewing for 2+ people, whereas you can most likely get by with a capacity of one liter or less if you’re aiming for 1-2 cups of your drink of choice.

Temperature Control and Boiling Speed

If you’re seeking out a kettle that can reach an exact temperature, you may need to opt for a more expensive model. But if you’re simply looking for a kettle that can keep water hot, then you may be able to find a more generic electric kettle.

Additionally, the speed at which water can heat up is a factor to consider in your selection process. If you find yourself short on time (or simply a lack of patience) when brewing your bev, look for a quick-heating electric kettle as opposed to one with a more lengthy heat time.

Selecting Your Spout

How fast or slow your water pours from the electric kettle depends on the spout size and length. If you’re looking for a slower and more precise pour, typically a long, tapered or gooseneck spout is the best option. This can also prevent spills and splashes of hot water that escape from your kettle. If you’d rather have a larger and faster pour, select a spout with a wide and short opening.

If I had to choose only one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would probably be sweet potatoes. So when I say that these charred sweet potatoes with dates are my new favorite way to eat them, you know it’s a statement I don’t take lightly.

This dish is a flavor adventure that speaks to all the senses. Sweet potatoes slowly roasted to release their natural candy-like sweetness, then quickly charred for those crispy edges. A luxurious date-studded brown butter drizzled over the top. Crunchy seeds and peppery arugula to wake it all up and make you go in for another bite. Yes, these are that good.

Read on for how these charred sweet potatoes with dates come together. Warning: you may never make sweet potatoes any other way.

The Ultimate Healthy Summer Side

This dish not only offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors but is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber—it’s a recipe that will leave you feeling so nourished and energized.

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. The seeds add a boost of healthy fats and protein, while dates bring a natural sweetness along with essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple ingredients to make this dish:

• sweet potatoes
• olive oil
• seeds (I like a mix of sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds)
• butter
• dates
• honey
• Aleppo pepper
• arugula
• cilantro

How to Make Charred Sweet Potatoes With Dates and Arugula

1. Roast the sweet potatoes. You’ll roast them on a baking sheet with a little water and sealed with foil. This helps evenly roast and lightly “steam” the potatoes to get them extra tender.
2. Prepare the topping. This seedy sweet brown butter is where it’s at. You’re going to melt some butter over the stove, add your seeds, and lightly brown them. Then you add your dates, olive oil, honey, salt, and Aleppo pepper. HEAVEN.
3. Char the sweet potatoes. This is what takes these over the top. Warm some olive oil in a cast-iron pan, then cut the potatoes open and sear them cut-side down in the skillet to get those crispy bits.
4. Put it together. Top your charred sweet potatoes with the seed mixture, some fresh arugula and cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of flaky salt.

Tips for Success

1. The perfect potato. Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes that will cook evenly. And feel free to experiment with any type of sweet potato! Classic orange potatoes or yams are naturally sweet and not too heavy, whereas Japanese sweet potatoes are a bit more dense and starchy (also delish). And for something that feels really elevated, opt for purple sweet potatoes. The vibrant, colorful presentation is stunning.
2. Ideal substitutions. If you can’t find Aleppo pepper, red pepper flakes work just as well but use a bit less to manage the heat. Feel free to sub any type of seed, or even slivered almonds, in place of the pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds I used here.
3. How to serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like this yogurt-marinated chicken. It can also stand alone as a hearty vegetarian main, with a green salad served alongside.

Feel free to meal prep the roasted sweet potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate, then char them and add your toppings just before serving. Easy! Scroll on for the recipe for these sweet, savory, and extremely satisfying charred sweet potatoes with dates.

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