I tell a story, you tell a story.

Insights, stories, conversations.

The Bookless Club

It’s just like a book club … only there’s no book, and no club.

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

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, I’m going to do a short story each week. To make this a more challenging project, I’d like you to send in one word that you’d like to see incorporated into a story to thebooklessclub@gmail.com 

This week, Jane Shumka sent in the term, “church key”; Jennifer Lucas suggested, “bamboo” and Lance Levy asked to have “earrings” included.

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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.

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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?

Subscribe to my newsletter, The Plain Jain, to learn more.

* Note: After registering, check your junk/spam/promotions/inbox/trash folder for your confirmation email.

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!

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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. 

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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.. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

Stay up to date with The Bookless Club by registering for my newsletterAnd you’ll be informed of upcoming contests! 

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 ….)

A headshot of Jane Macdougall

What I blog about

Blog Topics

Domo Early Grey Latte

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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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,…
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THE RESONANCE OF MAGNETIC IMAGING

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,…
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LILACS

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,…
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EDITH, EYDIE, AND ECTOPLASM

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,…
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ELANOR’S VIOLETS

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,…
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CRUISE CONTROL

Now, I can’t verify this story but my source is pretty reliable. Some years ago, my friend was taking his kids on a downtown adventure. One of the stops was…