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So fitting that the Italian Canadian immigrant project was hosted by internationally renowned chef - David Rocco! A touching ceremony on the ground breaking installation of plaques and artwork commemorating Italian immigrants and their stories. A few of the speakers spoke about their experience growing up in Toronto with immigrant parents. It brought back vivid memories- so many similar stories including one of my favorites - being in grade school and begging to have wonder bread and peanut butter on our school lunch just like everyone else so we could “fit in” (we were embarrassed of our panini lunch!) Italians have played a significant part in shaping Toronto from housing, clothing, bakeries, Toronto’s renowned restaurant scene and so much more. An amazing accomplishment when most immigrants came with nothing but perhaps a 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade education. Despite all their challenges - financially, culturally, emotionally, dealing with racism, (I remember it well) they persevered so that their children and grandchildren could have more opportunities. It was good to be reminded of all the struggles, accomplishments, way of life and the importance and support of friends and family. And so refreshing to hear the Mayor along with many other officials as well as citizens, encouraging us to put aside our prejudices and welcome new immigrants who are coming with nothing but hopes and dreams just like our parents did so many years ago. I am so proud of all the different ethnic communities that make Toronto - the most multicultural city in the world. And I am forever grateful to my parents who gave up so much so that we could be one of those communities here - living in a new country and learning new ways while maintaining their heritage. We were lucky to know and exist in two very different cultures. Hopefully, one day, we can embrace differences.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Crostata - or “tart” along with “ciamelotto” ( later !) is the quintessential Italian coffee cake. It’s a not so sweet dough covered with jam of your choice. I was told that apricot jam is the original flavor - I’ve also used cherry and plum and experimented with Nutella - They are all delicious!
Crostata brings back many fond memories of being at the cottage every summer where my cousins mom would bake it (my Mother didn’t bake so watching someone make sweets was a treat itself).
It’s a wonderful cake to have on hand not just for breakfast but is great in the afternoon for that relative or friend that drops in for a cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe is from my aunt Maria - bless her soul. Along with my aunt Emila, she was an amazing baker and also had the same units of measurements - “a little of this and a little of that! “

Another Christmas market inspired treat! Unique cutouts that come in a set to make these chocolate Christmas trees. They are so pretty and the chocolate can be flavoured and decorated in so many ways. My niece created the beautiful pink one!

Rugelach - I had no idea that such a treat existed until one Christmas when my wonderful mother-in-law - bless her soul- tried this new recipe which turned out to be a favorite cookie! The cream cheese pastry is delectable- and the filling, an aromatic apricot jam with nuts and chocolate. It’s now a holiday staple!

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
―Albert Einstein

My Auntie Em’s almond brittle. Stir “a little of this and a little of that” and you have Italian almond brittle. Not sweet, mostly nuts - but so delicious! A great family recipe!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian family and friends!!

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

The Home Price Expectations Survey projects the rate of price appreciation will moderate over the next few years as the market shifts away from the unsustainable pace it saw during the pandemic. After this year, experts project home price appreciation will continue, but at levels that are more typical for the market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says, “People should not anticipate another double-digit price appreciation. Those days are over. . . . We may return to more normal price appreciation of 4%, 5% a year.”

For you, that ongoing appreciation should...

Be Moved by Your Real Estate Experience
Call Pat 215-882-1202

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

Wondering if you should buy a home today? Experts say home prices will continue to appreciate in the coming years. If you buy now, you’ll beat those future increases. And once you do own the home, any price appreciation that occurs will grow your home’s value and your net worth. DM me today if you’re ready to invest in homeownership.

Be Moved by Your Real Estate Experience
Call Pat 215-882-1202

The housing market is not in a correction. Forbes defines a correction as a 10-20% decline in value. Home prices are still appreciating, and experts project that will continue, just at a more moderate pace. In other words, home prices won’t fall, so there isn’t a correction. Have questions about the housing market? DM me today.

Be Moved by Your Real Estate Experience
Call Pat 215-882-1202