This holiday treat is gluten-free, naturally sweetened and packed with fiber!

For the filling:

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 egg

For the crust:

1  ½ cups almond flour

¼ cup coconut flour

¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)

2  tbsp maple syrup

Pinch of salt

For the topping:

3  ripe persimmons, thinly sliced

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, maple syrup, and salt. Press the mixture into a tart pan, covering the base and sides evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool.

Prepare the filling: In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and egg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the tart: Pour the ricotta mixture into the cooled crust. Layer the persimmon slices on top in an overlapping pattern.

Add the spiced glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Drizzle the mixture over the persimmons.

Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set, and the persimmons are tender.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

The Bank of Canada lowered its overnight policy rate by 50 basis points for the second consecutive meeting, bringing it from 3.75 to 3.25 per cent.  In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that GDP growth in the second half of the year is falling below forecast and the unemployment rate has ticked slightly higher and cited the possibility of tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States as increasing uncertainty and clouding the economic outlook.  The Bank expects that inflation will average close to its 2 per cent target over the next couple of years. Finally, the Bank stated that after substantial reductions in the policy rate in reaction to softer growth, going forward it will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time. 

With both the economy and inflation undershooting the Banks expectations, policymakers appear eager to get the economy back on a path to recovery, particularly with risks looming large in 2025.  The Bank has now lowered its overnight rate to the top-end of what it considers "neutral" for the economy but, considering the trajectory of the economy, it will likely have to continue cutting. Where the Bank’s policy rate ends up depends on how serious to take threats of punitive tariffs by the incoming Trump administration. We anticipate that, for now, the Bank will cut to either 2.5 or 2.75 per cent early in 2025 and then pause to assess the state of the economy and the need for further stimulus. 

link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-announcement-vnf7q26fem

As the days shorten and the temperature drops, many people start feeling the effects of the "winter blues." Although experiencing less energy during this season is common to some people, simple self-care practices can help you stay positive and maintain your mental health.

Soak Up Natural Light: Because a lack of sunlight can affect your mood, try to be outside during daylight hours, even for a short walk. If that’s difficult to do, then consider using a light therapy lamp indoors to mimic natural sunlight.

Stay Active: Physical activity boosts endorphins, which help improve your mood. Even a gentle indoor workout, yoga session, or brisk walk around the block can make a big difference.

Eat Nourishing Foods: Incorporate mood-boosting foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, and foods rich in Omega-3s. These nutrients can help stabilize your mood and energy levels.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. These practices can reduce stress and help you stay grounded and focused on the present, rather than letting the winter blues overwhelm you. 

Stay Connected: Talk with friends and family, even for only a quick chat. Social connections are key to maintaining a positive mindset during the colder months.

With these self-care tips, you can navigate the winter months with a positive outlook and keep the blues at bay. Small daily habits can have a big impact on your mental well-being!

Make Christmas morning extra magical with these fun and unique ways to show your kids that Santa really made his visit!

Santa’s Footprints: Use flour or powdered sugar to create “snowy” boot prints leading from the door or fireplace to the Christmas tree. Your kids will love following Santa’s path through the house!

Santa’s Magic Key: If you don't have a chimney, leave a special "magic key" by the door for Santa to use. In the morning, the key can be left behind with a sprinkle of glitter and a note from Santa saying he used it to enter the house.

A Text from Santa: Schedule a personalized text or email “from Santa” to arrive on Christmas morning. It could say, “I just left your house! Thanks for the cookies! Enjoy the presents! – Santa.” Your kids will be amazed that Santa can text!

Santa’s Wrapping Paper: Wrap a couple of gifts in special “Santa” paper, and leave a scrap near the fireplace or tree, as if Santa accidentally left a piece behind during his late-night delivery.

Santa’s Lost Hat or Glove: Place a red glove, Santa’s hat, or even a black belt under the tree or by the fireplace. Let the kids discover it and say, “Looks like Santa was in such a hurry, he left this behind!”

Get into the fall spirit with these fun and healthy lite bites bursting with flavor and sweetness!

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Mini chocolate chips or raisins for decoration

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the sweet potatoes:

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.

Season and bake:

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Bake:

Bake the sweet potatoes for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

Make the topping:

While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup in a small bowl.

Decorate:

Once the sweet potatoes are done and slightly cooled, add a dollop of the yogurt mixture on each round. Use mini chocolate chips or raisins for extra sweetness!

Canadian employment rose by 0.2 per cent from the previous month, growing by 51,000 jobs to 20.647 million in November. The employment rate remained unchanged at 60.6 per cent, while the unemployment rate rose 0.3 points to 6.8 per cent. Average hourly wages rose 4.1 per cent year-over-year to $35.68 last month, while total hours worked were up 1.9 per cent from November of the previous year.

Employment in B.C. was largely unchanged, slightly rising to 2.830 million, with a gain of 1,400 jobs in November. Employment in Metro Vancouver fell 0.2 per cent to 1.603 million in November. The unemployment rate in B.C. fell by 0.1 points to 5.7 per cent in November. Meanwhile, Vancouver's unemployment rate rose by 0.1 points from last month to 6.3 per cent.

November's employment statistics are highlighted by the largest monthly increase in the unemployment rate since January 2017 (excluding 2020 and 2021 due to COVID). In addition, employment gains were largely driven by public sector growth (+1.0 per cent), while private sector employment remained relatively unchanged. Weaknesses in overall hiring activity, along with a sharp escalation in the unemployment rate, demonstrate that the Canadian labour market is cooler than the Bank of Canada had anticipated at this stage. Coupled with an underperforming quarterly GDP report last week, most signs point towards another jumbo cut by the Bank of Canada to close out 2024. As we move into the new year, the Bank hopes to reignite the economy and labour market through heightened consumer and business spending.  

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.