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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...

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Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon-Walnut Swirl

 

This rich and buttery coffee cake features a sublime cinnamon-nut swirl, making it a classic breakfast treat. The contrasting flavors and crunch of the swirl elevate this cake to a whole new level. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Walnut Swirl:

    • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position.
    • Toast the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet until fragrant and golden brown (about 10 to 15 minutes). Let them cool, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (149°C).
    • In a small bowl, combine the toasted walnuts, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined, then set aside.
  2. Make the Cake Batter:

    • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or beaters), combine the granulated sugar and softened butter. Beat on medium speed until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is homogenous.
    • On low speed, mix in the sour cream and vanilla. The batter may look a little curdled at this point, but that’s okay.
    • Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
    • Gradually add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Layer the Batter and Swirl:

    • Scoop 1/3 of the batter into a prepared pan (even if it seems like not enough, especially if using a 12-cup Bundt pan).
    • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-walnut mixture evenly over the batter.
    • Cover with another 1/3 of the remaining batter, spreading it evenly over the pan and to the edges.
    • Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture evenly over the batter.
    • Finally, cover with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly over the nut mixture.
  4. Bake:

    • Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
  5. Enjoy!

    • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Slice and savor the deliciousness!

This coffee cake is so good that it can be stored in a covered container on the countertop for up to two weeks.

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