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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Pan-Seared Steaks



Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless steaks (NY Strip, rib eye or filet mignon)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy pan (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until it’s VERY hot.
  4. Add the oil to the pan and heat until it begins to shimmer and move fluidly around the pan.
  5. Carefully set the steak in the pan, releasing it away from you so the oil doesn’t splatter in your direction. It should sizzle.
  6. Leave it alone! Avoid the temptation to peek or fiddle or flip repeatedly. The steaks need a few minutes undisturbed to develop a brown crust.
  7. Flip the steaks when they release easily and the bottom is a deep-brown color (usually about 3 minutes).
  8. Continue to cook the steaks for another 3 to 4 minutes on the bottom side for rare or medium-rare.
  9. During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the pan with the steaks (this is optional but delicious).


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