ATLANTIC CANADA POSITIONED FOR MODEST GROWTH IN 2015: RBC ECONOMICS . . . KALETTES, BROCCOFLOWER AND OTHER EYE-POPPING VEGETABLES FOR 2015 . . . SELFIE-HELP FOR CONSERVATION AREAS . . . BEEF INFOXCHANGE SYSTEM EXPANDING . . . CHEWY CHOCOLATE SNOWCAPS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ATLANTIC CANADA POSITIONED FOR MODEST GROWTH IN 2015: RBC ECONOMICS
Source: CNW
Atlantic Canada’s economies showed signs of modest growth in 2014 and are likely to maintain a generally subdued pace in 2015, according to the latest RBC Economics Provincial Outlook released this week. In general, exports have been a key driver of growth in the Atlantic Provinces in 2014 and are expected to remain supportive in 2015. Investment spending is also helping to sustain growth as major capital projects take shape across the region. Tempering these positive factors is a continuing drag arising from fiscal restraint, limited job gains, and gathering demographic headwinds. (read more)

KALETTES, BROCCOFLOWER AND OTHER EYE-POPPING VEGETABLES FOR 2015
Source: NPR
Does a cross between Brussels sprouts and kale sounds like your vegetable dream come true? Maybe so, if you’re someone who's crazy for cruciferous vegetables and all the fiber and nutrients they pack in. Meet Kalettes, a hybrid of the two that looks like a small head of purple kale. It arrived in U.S. supermarkets like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods this fall, and is being marketed as “a fresh fusion of sweet and nutty.” (read more)

SELFIE-HELP FOR CONSERVATION AREAS
Source: BBC
Images uploaded to social media websites hold valuable data that could be used to help protect or manage natural spaces, a study has suggested. Geotagged images provided a precise location of where the photo was taken and how people were interacting with the environment, it added. This data could be collated to provide information that could help inform the management of ecosystems. (read more)

BEEF INFOXCHANGE SYSTEM EXPANDING
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is partnering with ViewTrak Technologies, a world-class technology and traceability company based in Edmonton, to enhance and expand the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS). Under the partnership, a new privately-held company will take ownership of BIXS, with the CCA and ViewTrak as initial shareholders. “Partnering with industry to expand BIXS’ reach and potential has always been our vision,” says Rob McNabb, general manager of the CCA. “ViewTrak has a solid track record in the livestock information technology industry. With their strong financials, international experience, and a worldwide network, the Viewtrak team has the expertise and resources to help CCA maximize the BIXS system for the benefit of the entire supply chain and consumers seeking information on beef production.” (read more)

CHEWY CHOCOLATE SNOWCAPS
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup dark cocoa powder
5 ounces 72-percent chocolate, chopped
1 ½ cups chopped, toasted pecans
4 large egg whites, room temperature
½ cup sugar cubes, crushed, for the tops

Heat oven to 325°F. Whisk together sugar, cocoa, and salt. Stir in chocolate and pecans. Add egg whites and stir just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Use a stand mixer on low or a sturdy spoon and a large bowl. Crush the sugar cubes and place in a shallow bowl. Using a small ice cream scoop or a melon baller, spoon up dough to create a scoop about the size of a golf ball. Lightly dip the top of the cookie into the crushed sugar cubes and then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about two inches apart. Bake until cookie tops are dry and crackled, about 12 to 15 minutes. Rotate sheets if using more than one at a time. The cookies should be dry and crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside and capped with a nice sprinkling of chunky sugar. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely. Can be stored in an airtight container for three days.