ORCHIDS AS FAST FASHION
Between now and the new year, you’ll see plenty of them. They’ll be front and centre at Costco, your local hardware store; even the gas station may have some on…
I tell a story, you tell a story.
Insights, stories, conversations.
Jane's Cook Book
Herewith, a collection of reliable recipes that have fooled a few people into thinking I know my way around in a kitchen
From The Archive
I’ve been writing for years. Here are some of my favourite pieces. I hope you enjoy them!
Jane's Junk Drawer
Useful, interesting … mysterious! A haphazard trove of curiosities, ideas, and stuff too good to throw away.
Featured
ORCHIDS AS FAST FASHION
Between now and the new year, you’ll see plenty of them.
They’ll be front and centre at Costco, your local hardware store; even the gas station may have some on offer. In some ways, they’re a substitution for another exotic that shows its face seasonally – the poinsettia.
I've never met Jeff Brown.
Want the DL on my franchise-wrecking affair with NHL defence man, Jeff Brown? It’s all here … except … wait! I’VE NEVER MET JEFF BROWN. Read on for the long and twitching tail of a baseless rumour and its far-reaching consequences.
JOIN ME IN MEXICO CITY
Delve into the mystical origins of the Teotihuacan pyramids and examine the remains of the Aztec great temple of Tenoctitlán, the centre of the universe now the centre of the city’s main plaza.
HERE FOR THE CONTESTS?
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JANE CAN COOK COOKBOOK
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE POTATOES
This dish is like a Mediterranean cruise! It has so many of the intense flavours of the regional cuisines.
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
You can make this seasonal favourite quickly and easily right in your own kitchen.
RASPBERRY DRINKING VINEGAR
This drink is summer in a glass! It calls for a lot of raspberry t calls for a lot of raspberries so make it at the height of summer when berries are cheapest.
SALVAGED GRAPES
Grapes wilted? Such a shame. They languish in the fridge while you come to term with chucking them.
IN A JAM WITH KIWIS
You’ve got a tub of kiwis. (Ahhh, the false economy of Costco.) You ate the first half dozen but the few remaining are past their prime. What to do? Here’s a delicious option. Jam!
HOMEMADE BISCUIT MIX
Hankering for biscuits? Comin’ up! Cheap, and quick and easy. Now ain’t you the kitchen magician?!
MONKEY COOKIES
Do you have banana bread fatigue? Here’s another excellent way to use up those blackening bananas on your countertop.
MASCARPONE TOMATO ICE CREAM
Here’s proof that tomato is actually a fruit.
RUM CAKE(S)
So … I usually make a double batch version of this cake. When I do the double batch – which is pretty much always – I use a commercial-size loaf pan.
PUCKERY SALT
Gourmet lemon salt is expensive. Here's hot to make your own and get maximum value from your costly lemons (or limes).
SPROUTS BIG NIGHT OUT
There are only 50 calories in a cup of cooked brussels sprouts..
LOVING SPOONFUL
This soup scores in all categories: it’s quick and easy to make, it’s loaded with health benefits
PAST CONTESTS!
Vancouver Gun Club
The Bookless Club partnered with the Vancouver Shotgun Club for a chance at an introductory class in shooting traps.
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
The Bookless Club partnered with the Vancouver Chinatown Storytelling Centre to give away several tickets to the Chinatown museum!
LOMI Composter
The Bookless Club partnered with Pela fro give away one Lomi to one lucky winner!
TIMEX
The Bookless Club partnered with TIMEX to give away three watches!
The North Pole Express
The Bookless Club partnered with the West Coast Railway Association for this fantastic Christmas giveaway for one lucky family to visit the North Pole by train in Squamish.
Harbour Air
The Bookless Club partnered with Harbour Air for a Vancouver Staycation flight viewing Coal Harbour from a bird's eye view over one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Rufus Guitar and Drums
The Bookless Club partnered with Rufus Guitar and Drums to give 12 lucky winners the chance to partake in life-long learning.
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about me
Hi! I'm Jane!
I’m a Canadian journalist. My professional life has included radio, TV, and film. My writing has appeared in a variety of publications in Canada and the US but I’m best known for my work as a columnist for Canada’s National Post. I’m working on a book but we’ll both be a lot older by the time I finish it … if I ever finish it. As for the five pounds I gained during the pandemic, those are probably here for the duration. (Okay, so it’s closer to ten pounds ….)
What I blog about
Blog Topics
Domo Tea
They’re not paying me to say so, but I’m saying so, just the same. I’m really liking Domo Teas. It’s a local Vancouver company and there’s lots of interesting blends to choose from. If you’re on a ‘coffee break’, give Domo teas a try. I get mine at London Drugs.
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UMM … BRELLAS
Pssst. A bug in your ear. You know what sector of the global economy is expected to perform very well in the coming years? Lean in, because it’s not often…
TIE: DIED
As I got into the car, he glanced at me, saying, “Gosh, look at you. How come you’re all dressed up?” Ever quick on my feet, “Huh?”, was my agile…
LASHED TO FASHION
You know who oughta have a commemorative Canadian postage stamp in her honour? In fact, I’m thinking a pair of commemorative stamps would be more fitting. Anna Taylor. Never heard…
BIRTHDAY CAKE COINS AND COCOA
I make a couple of chocolate cakes each year for birthdays. I make a damned good chocolate cake. I do. And not by accident, either. I’ve gone through dozens of…
FISHING LESSONS
I’m going to take a month off from the weekly question and do something I used to do for the National Post in August. Instead of writing The Bookless Club,…