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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...

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Pesto Lasagna

 

The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add onion. Cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining 2 cups mozzarella; set aside. Spread about 1-1/2 cup cheese sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with 3 noodles and half of each of the following: ricotta mixture, pesto and spinach. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

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