By JAN MAIN Our first crop is being harvested – maple syrup. Yum! The middle days of March to the late days of April have the right combination of cool nights with warmer days to get the sap flowing in maple trees. This tree sap, when boiled down, becomes one of life’s unique culinary pleasures- […]
By JAN MAIN Fifty years! Wow! This is the start of the 50th year for Beach Metro News/Ward 9 News. It seems like such a short time ago, I gathered up my courage, a copy of my resume and my small son, Timothy, for a walk to the Ward 9 News office at the YMCA […]
By JAN MAIN This Valentine’s Day, more than ever, has to be special! Family’s working at home with school-aged children, singles isolated, essential worker’s having to go out to work and those without work or good health – so many negatives. This is the time to Put on the Ritz, make a splash and have […]
By JAN MAIN You know Christmas is over when the turkey carcass is in the pot simmering away to make stock! This year, I opted for a large roasting chicken. As you can imagine, Christmas was downsized and the smaller bird made more sense. However, the technique to make stocks is the same for both […]
By JAN MAIN There is no doubt about it. With COVID-19 lurking in the background, our Christmas feasting and gathering of the past has to change for this year. It won’t be the usual crowd of friends and family around the dining table. That could be a recipe for disaster. Instead, we may have to […]
By JAN MAIN The Christmas season is going to be a little different this year. Celebrations will have to be modified with COVID-19 in mind. However, fun, frolic and festivities are still on the menu. Here are some suggestions to put a safe spin on future activities. Mulled Cider Even on the cold days ahead, […]
By JAN MAIN At my most recent and l believe last patio luncheon (luncheon rather than dinner because it is warmer at one in the afternoon than six in the evening and lighter too, especially near the lake, without a propane heater) my guests Judy Rauliuk brought an enticing curried parsnip soup and Nicole Descoteaux, […]
By JAN MAIN Fall is a great time to be a cook! There is abundance everywhere! Markets are overflowing with vibrant, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, literally the pick of the crop. Just what you want for that special recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving. Harvest Pie This harvest pie requires the best pick of the crop […]
By JAN MAIN When I think of preserves, images of my Grandmother and Mother come to mind. In my Grandmother’s case, it was being sent downstairs to her preserve storage, rows of neat shelves beneath the basement stairs, lined with jars of chili sauce, jams and jellies mustard pickles but my favourite, her peach almond […]
By JAN MAIN Canada Day on July 1 is just around the corner. It marks Canada’s birthday, the beginning of holidays, the beginning of an array of festivities including a parade of just picked crops-strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, peas, beans, melons, plums, peaches – abundance of all sorts. Canada Day deserves a special menu to celebrate […]
