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Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness

 

 

Creamy Veggie Korma with Steamed Ten Grains Rice - for toddler


Creamy Veggie Korma

No coconut milk is used. Creamy Greek yogurt is used to replace coconut milk. You can use any combination of vegetables that you like apart from those that I have listed in the ingredients section below. :)


Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:
(Serves 2)

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
4 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, aubergines), chopped
2 cups water
2/3 cup Greek yogurt


How to:

1. Heat up oil in a large pan. Cook chopped onions, garlic, and ground spices over low heat until the onions become light golden. Add in vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes. Add water and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and stir in yogurt. Serve with steamed rice.



Organic Ten Grains Rice contains pearl barley, millet, corn meal, buckwheat, oat groat, sorghum, brown flaxseed, wild black rice, natural brown rice, and red rice.

My boy is 22 months now, so I think it's quite alright to let him eat mixed grains per meal, 2-3 times a week. Normally, I only use millet and brown rice. Sometimes, different kinds of pasta.

According to my boy's babysitter, my boy polished off the entire 500ml jar of korma and a medium bowl of rice in 2 meals. I'm very impressed. :)


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My birthday loot from iHerb.com plus Announcement!

http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=WLB090

If you're buying stuff for the first time from iHerb, you can use my code - WLB090 - or just click http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=WLB090 and continue your shopping. You get to save $5-$10 off your first order! Enjoy your shopping!

Here are my previous purchases:
Loot 1 | Loot 2 | Loot 3


Take a look at my latest loot of the month. :)


PowerBar, Performance Energy, Chocolate Peanut Butter, 12 Bars - for hubby
Nature's All, Organic Blueberries, Freeze-Dried (34g)



Arrowhead Mills, Organic Steel Cut Oats, Hot Cereal (680g)
Bob's Red Mill, Organic, Kamut Hot Cereal (680g)



Coconut Secret, The Original Coconut Aminos, Soy-Free Seasoning Sauce (237ml)
Simply Organic, Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract (59ml)



Andean Dream, Quinoa Pasta, Macaroni (227g)
DeLallo, Orzo, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta (454g)



Acure Organics, Shampoo, Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil (235ml) - for myself
Earth's Best, Toothpaste, Strawberry & Banana (45g) - for my toddler


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Announcement!



After working on this mini project for the past six months, I now officially launch a series of blog posts called Featured Mommypreneurs in collaboration with at least three mommypreneurs (i.e. mommies entrepreneurs).

Currently, there are another three or more potential collaborators in the pipeline. Let me know if you're interested to join me to feature your products / services. :)

Find out more on my new page - Featured Mommypreneurs (you can find the tab on this blog's top navigation bar).


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3 Cute Ways to Wear a Bandana Bib (featuring Baby Island: Baby Fashion Dribble Bib)

Baby Island: Baby Fashion Dribble Bib

Look at these gorgeous bandana bibs! They are Baby Island's Baby Fashion Dribble Bibs. Baby Island is a homegrown Malaysian brand. So, these bibs are designed in Malaysia. Yes, I'm all for supporting Malaysian homemade and homegrown products! :D


Close-up shots

Baby Island bandana bibs are triangle dribble bibs made from 100% cotton with absorbent terry towel backing. Each bib comes with a pair of adjustable snap buttons too.

Using a bandana bib can be fun too! That's what I did with my 22mo toddler. Check out my little model's bib-styling shots. :)



Style #1: Bandana scarf

The Baby Island bib is so versatile! They can double up as a scarf too. We attended a friend's wedding dinner with the theme Vintage Mafia. So, we dressed up our boy in a checked collared shirt, jeans overall, and of course, the Blue Stars bib that stole the show!



Style #2: Bandana cap

We went to Cherating Beach for a short weekend getaway. Our boy loved the sun and the sea. And hey! This versatile bib doubled up as a temporary cap too!


Spot the baby.

Bonding with papa.


Style #3: Rambo

What do you do when a toddler wants to ride a bike at the indoor playground? You put a bib around his head and ask him to pose like Rambo and snap a photo! :D


Fun, fun, fun! :D


Where to buy Baby Island Fashion Dribble Bib?

You can buy it from Babydash.com.my! There are many gorgeous designs to choose for your little ones. I'm pretty sure they are gonna like 'em stylish bibs! :)

http://www.babydash.com.my/

Babydash.com.my was founded by two gorgeous moms, Lavi and Shan, who got tired of constantly running out for diapers and milk. They aim to make this errand as hassle-free and painless as possible by offering an easy and convenient way for other moms to get diapers and milk without having to suffer long queues at the grocers or lug bulky heavy bags around. No more running from store to store in search of the one brand our baby likes and wasting time and petrol as we do.


Why Babydash?


Babydash offers exclusive baby products directly to your doorstep! So, we busy moms can pre-order diapers, milk, baby food, and many more baby products, and have them delivered to our office or home! 

Their fast delivery service in 1-2 working days is fantastic! I have bought things several times and yes, I receive the goods within 1-2 days of delivery.

All you have to do is go to Babydash.com.my, select the items you want, follow the simple payment instructions, and within a couple of days, you'll have your goods delivered to you!


More info

Find out more info and promos on Babydash's:

LINE, WhatsApp, call +6016 676 1101


Thank you Babydash for collaborating with me for this post!


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Bacon Cheddar Scones


Bacon Cheddar Scones

Thanks to the latest bake-along blog hop, I manage to bake a batch of delicious Bacon Cheddar Scones for the hubby to celebrate Father's Day this year. :)

This is the first time I have a valid excuse to buy crème fraîche (one of the ingredients). Oh my... I fall in love with this luxuriously delicious cream the moment I eat one teaspoon. Then, I have the second teaspoon, and third. And I have to stop before I run out of crème fraîche to bake my scones. :P


Recipe adapted from Zoe - Bake for Happy Kids as seen on the book, Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller and Sebastien Rouxel or here.


Ingredients:
(Makes 16 small scones)

150g cake flour
5g baking powder
15g molasses sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

70g cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4 inches cubes
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
45g crème fraîche
2/3 cup cooked bacon, cut into small pieces
70g grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoon finely cut chives



How to:

Note: The original recipe uses a mixer to combine the ingredients. I use my hands and a rubber spatula. The steps below are based on my experience.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter cubes. Use your hands to rub the butter cubes into the dry mixture until just incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

3. Add in Greek yogurt and crème fraîche. Mix with a rubber spatula until all dry ingredients are moistened and a dough is formed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Then, add bacon, grated cheese and chives. Mix all until just combined.

Note: If the dough is too wet before you can bake, put it in the fridge to chill for about two hours. In my case, the dough is still okay, so I bake immediately. 

4. Roll the dough into balls and arrange at about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared pan. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking tray and transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

 

The dough.

Round balls of goodness!



I'm linking this post to the event, Bake-Along #81: Theme - Bacon Cheddar Scones organized by Joyce from Kitchen Flavours, Lena from Frozen Wings, and Zoe from Bake for Happy Kids.


Photobucket

This post is also linked to the event, Little Thumbs Up (June 2015 Event: Cream) organized by Zoe (Bake for Happy Kids), Doreen (My Little Favourite DIY) and hosted by Diana (The Domestic Goddess Wannabe).

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Chicken Pot-roasted in Milk (Diana Henry)


Chicken Pot-roasted in Milk (Diana Henry)

The very first Chicken in Milk recipe that I know is by Jamie Oliver. His recipe includes sage, milk, and lots of lemon. But sage is a breast milk supply killer. So, I'm very hesitant to cook his dish. (Oh, that's because I'm still breastfeeding my 22-month toddler.)

When I stumble upon Diana Henry's Chicken Pot-roasted in Milk, Bay and Nutmeg recipe, I'm elated beyond words! Diana Henry's version also includes milk, but she adds bay leaves instead. I have to agree that milk really creates the most amazing flavorsome sauce and it allows the bird to stay succulent in this pot roast recipe.

I serve this dish with Orzo Pilaf and it's a hit with everyone. The chicken is so moist and succulent, the milky gravy is so so so delicious, and the orzo adds bulk to our lunch.

I gotta cook this dish again. Even the toddler is happy. Happy tummy, happy baby. Happy baby, happy mommy! Hey, it rhymes! :)


Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:
(Serves 4)

25g unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.4kg hormones- & antibiotics-free chicken (without head, innards & feet)
300ml full cream milk
10 garlic cloves
3 bay leaves
Finely grated zest of 2 unwaxed lemons

1 lemon, quartered
2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
1 medium carrot, cut into chunks 


How to:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. On the stove, heat up butter and olive oil in a lidded ovenproof pan that can hold the chicken. Season the bird with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Brown the whole bird evenly without tearing its skin too much.

3. After browning, pour away the fat from the pan; keep it aside to cook Orzo Pilaf later.

4. Stuff lemon quarters into the bird's cavity. Add milk, garlic, bay leaves, lemon zest, potatoes, and carrots into the pot. Cook over medium heat. Just before it boils, remove the pan from the stove. Put the lid on and continue cooking in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, removing the lid halfway through cooking. Baste occasionally, spooning the milk over the bird.

5. At the end of the cooking time, squash the garlic cloves with the back of a fork so they break down and flavor the juices. Spoon the juices over the chicken and serve with Orzo Pilaf (recipe below).

Succulent chicken in milk.

Served with Orzo Pilaf.

Here's how to cook Orzo Pilaf (serves 4):

1. In a large saucepan, heat up chicken fat (about 3 tablespoons) from browning the bird earlier on.

2. Add chopped onions (from 1 small red onion) and cook over medium-high heat until tender.

3. Add 1 cup uncooked orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.

4. Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until orzo is tender, about 20 minutes. Scoop and serve with chicken.



I'm linking this post with I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) for this week's theme, June Potluck!


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Cooked Grapes with Cream (Jacques Pépin)


Cooked Grapes With Cream (Jacques Pépin)

This week, the members of I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) are making Jacques Pépin's party dishes. We can make hors d'oeuvres, canapes, dips, small bites, mini desserts, or any type of drink to start a soirée!

Photo credit: IHCC

I make Jacques Pépin's Cooked Grapes with Cream to join in the fun. To add on, June is also the month I celebrate my wedding anniversary and birthday. So, hubby and I have a low-key celebration with this delightful drink. It'd be great if we have some liqueur in the house though; Jacques Pépin lists Cognac as an optional ingredient. :D


Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients: 
(Serves 2)

14-16 seedless red grapes, stems removed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 teaspoons sour cream


How to:

1. Place grapes, vinegar, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook gently for about 5 minutes. The grapes will lose their red color and begin to crack open.

2. Meanwhile, combine lemon rind, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl. When grapes are cooked, add them to the lemon-honey mixture and stir well.

3. Serve in wine glasses, garnished with a spoonful of sour cream.


So pretty!

I absolutely love the refreshing explosion of flavors in my mouth from the combination of grapes, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and honey.




I'm linking this post with I Heart Cooking Clubs (IHCC) for this week's theme, Get This Soirée Started!

Photobucket

This post is also linked to the event, Little Thumbs Up (June 2015 Event: Cream) organized by Zoe (Bake for Happy Kids), Doreen (My Little Favourite DIY) and hosted by Diana (The Domestic Goddess Wannabe).

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A little chatterbox at 21 months! Plus celebrations in June :)


 I'm writing this blog post in two parts. Part I is dedicated to my little chatterbox. Part II is about me!


Part I: My Little Chatterbox

My little chatterbox just turned 22 months old. He can talk very well, forming short sentences of 4-5 words each time he talks to us or when he wants to make his intentions clear to us. He can sing-along happily to his favorite nursery rhymes, especially those with numbers 1-10 and alphabets A-Z, or certain ones with words that rhyme, e.g. day, away, play.

I'm always in awe when he starts talking, singing, and behaving like a grown-up, or rather, a mini human being in the house. :D

Now, let's recap what he did when he was 21 months old. :D

According to babycenter.com, here are a few learning points for parents of a 21-month toddler and beyond.


#1: Recognize and acknowledge toddler preferences

Toddlers like things "just so." Along with tantrums and exploration, obstinacy is a hallmark of this toddler stage. Respect your child's preferences and interests, and let him make some choices, such as which shirt to wear. Make it clear that some things - particularly behaviors that affect safety - are not up for negotiation.

Here's a very good article called 'See the world through the eyes of your toddler' along with some great tips!
  • Have a sense of humor. Try to laugh (respectfully) when your child is going through a phase.
  • Slow down. Enjoy the moment.
  • Appreciate the leaves and the bugs, toddler-style.
  • Trust your judgement. There is no one "right" way to parent a toddler.
  • Remember how young they are. Don't expect more from your child than he can deliver.

#2: Correcting without criticizing

Criticize behavior when you must, but avoid criticizing your child. Pointing fingers does little to teach proper behavior. Try phrasing statements to make clear which behaviors you like and which you don't:

"I don't like that screechy noise you're making. Please use a quiet inside voice, like this."

"I like it when you come right away when I call you."



#3: Polishing table manners

The typical 21-month-old has developed some decent self-feeding skills – like filling a spoon with food and getting it into his mouth, spearing food with a fork, and drinking from a cup. Whether your toddler is willing to use those skills consistently at the family table is another story.

Depending on your child's temperament, he may already be turning into a much tidier eater – or far from it. By his second birthday, he might find it distressing to spill a drink or get food on his hands or clothes. On the other hand, he might continue to use food like finger paint for months to come.

Try to avoid making a big deal about his eating habits. Continue to serve the family meal to your child, letting him pick what he wants from it. He won't starve, nor are these fussy behaviors likely to follow him into adulthood.

My latest blog posts about his meals:

7 Wholesome Meals for My 21-month Toddler
3 Easy Creamy Soups for Toddlers
6 ways to encourage your toddler to drink more water


#4: Setting routines

Try establishing and sticking to set times for napping, eating, and going to bed. A regular schedule helps your child feel more secure and in control. He can't tell time yet, so it also gives him a sense of what's coming next.

Routines make your life easier too – and not only because they simplify day-to-day planning. If your child knows what to expect every day, you'll probably encounter less resistance.

You don't have to be rigid. What's most important is that things happen in pretty much the same order at more or less the same time each day. Weekend bedtimes and morning wake-ups that are roughly the same as on weekdays help keep the routine on track.


What was he up to? Time to bombard this post with his cute photos!

Full of concentration: Playing with his father's mouse.

Slow & steady: Balancing balls on bottles.

His favorite toys: Choo-choo train and minions!

Bonding: Father & son & Lego.

Havoc time: Peeling off and sticking stickers.

Eating mini crackers like a pro!



Drinking smoothie from his Squooshi!




Part II: Celebrations in June


Hubby sent a bouquet of flowers to my office on the day of our wedding anniversary. :D



On my birthday, we went for a date without our toddler. Lol. Food and movie, just like old times. And margarita slushie. We should do this more often. :P


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TGV Cinemas Family Friendly Special Sessions for Minions (20-21 June 2015)


Attention to all parents! TGV Cinemas is conducting Family Friendly Special Sessions for the movie Minions during the weekend of Father's Day! It's this weekend!

When & Where

20 June 2015 (Saturday)
21 June 2015 (Sunday)

There are two sessions each day:

Session #1
11am: Pre-Show activities
12pm: Movie screening

Session #2
4pm: Pre-Show activities
5pm: Movie screening

ONLY AT TGV CINEMAS @ 1 UTAMA



Package Price

RM20 per ticket (applicable to adults and kids)
E.g. Total amount for two adults plus one kid = RM20 x 3 = RM60

Update (18 June 2015):
Quoting TGV Cinemas from their Facebook page: No need to buy a ticket for kids below 3 years old.

This package also includes 1x Minions Goodie Pack and the chance to participate in pre-show activities. On the screening day (either 20 or 21 June), you just need to present proof of purchase, i.e. TGV Cinemas Ticket Stub, Email or Mobile App confirmation at collection counter to receive your goodie bag(s).

 Buy your tickets online on tgv.com.my now!

 
What are Family Friendly Sessions?

TGV Cinemas Family Friendly sessions are designed exclusively for parents with babies and kids. The sessions aim to enhance the cinema going experience among young families and it’s an opportunity for parents and their children to engage with one another and be themselves throughout the entire movie.

To ensure families have a more comfortable and relaxing time, our cinema volume will be lowered and the lights are dimmed. In addition, we have also set-up a diaper changing table and dustbin inside the cinema hall for parents' convenience.

However, parents are advised to strictly follow our "House Rules" throughout the session.

 
What are the "House Rules"?

  • Kids are allowed to ask "Why?"
  • Kids can scream and shout, and let it all out
  • Kids can make new friends
  • Kids are allowed to move around
  • Parents, please proceed to the toilet for anything wetter than tears
    
Terms & Conditions

  • Available at TGV Cinemas 1 Utama only.
  • Valid only for selected titles.
  • Tickets can be purchased online or walk-in to TGV Cinemas 1 Utama.
  • A valid TGV Cinemas ([Family Friendly Special] Minions) ticket stub, email or app confirmation for the particular session on the event day must be presented to redeem the Minions goodie pack and to enter pre-show activities area.
  • RM20 per ticket is applicable for any seat type within the specific hall.
  • TGV Cinemas is not responsible for any accident or injury to the patrons and damage or loss of their belongings.
  • All ticket discounts, advertiser or complimentary passes and movie access vouchers are not applicable for the Family Friendly session.
  • TGV Cinemas reserves the right to change the terms and conditions for the Family Friendly sessions without prior notice.


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3 Easy Ways to Cook Creamy Soups for Toddlers


My toddler loves all sorts of soups: creamy Western-style soups and clear Asian-style broths.

I have found three easy ways to cook creamy soups for him. So, I have three recipes and each recipe features one way of cooking a bowl of hearty, creamy soup.


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By the way, I've also blogged about 7 wholesome meals for my 21-month toddler for the past month. He's turning 22 months old soon!

Don't forget to view the full list of baby/toddler meals and soups on my Baby & toddler menu page too!

Don't miss my latest blog posts by connecting with me on fb.com/joycescapade :)


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Okay, back to the creamy soups. :)


Menu #1:
Creamy Mushrooms & Leek Soup
(served with Elbow Pasta)


I use 5 types of Asian mushrooms in this soup: fresh shiitake, dry shiitake, enoki, shimeiji, and bunashimeiji. For the leek, I only use the pale green or white section. I love cream when I make creamy soups, so I use cooking cream.


Ingredients: 
(Serves 2) 

1 tablespoon butter 
1 red onion, chopped 
2-inch leek (pale green / white section), thinly sliced
1 cup mixed mushrooms, chopped
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling elbow pasta)
1/4 cup cooking cream* (I used Emborg)
Grated Cheddar cheese, for topping

* Cooking cream is used in this recipe.


How to:

Heat up butter in a deep saucepan. Cook red onions and leek until soft. Stir in mushrooms and cook until soft.

Add pasta water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 8 minutes. Stir in cooking cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Stir well.

Remove from heat and let the soup cool down for about 8-10 minutes. Then, pour the soup into a blender. Pulse until you get the creamy consistency that you want.

Top with grated Cheddar cheese.

Toss cooked elbow pasta with some extra virgin olive oil before serving.


Menu #2:
Creamy Peas, Leek & Spinach Soup
(served with Short Tube Pasta)


In this green soup, the main ingredients are frozen spinach and frozen peas. Fresh spinach and peas can be used as well but you will need extra time washing and blanching the spinach, and peeling peas from their pods. So, I use the frozen ones instead to save time.

Potatoes are used as the thickening agent in this soup. There will be no cream added.


Ingredients: 
(Serves 2) 

1 tablespoon butter 
1 red onion, chopped 
2-inch leek (pale green / white section), thinly sliced
1/2 medium Russet potato*, chopped
A handful frozen peas, thawed
A handful frozen spinach, thawed
1 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling short tube pasta)

* Russet potato is used in this recipe.


How to:

Heat up butter in a deep saucepan. Cook red onions and leek until soft. Stir in potatoes. Add pasta water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

When the potatoes are almost fork-tender, stir in peas and spinach. Simmer for another 5-8 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the soup cool down for about 8-10 minutes. Then, pour the soup into a blender. Pulse until you get the creamy consistency that you want.

Toss cooked short tube pasta with some extra virgin olive oil before serving.


Menu #3:
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
(served with Spaghetti)


Pumpkin and cherry tomatoes are the main ingredients. I have added some meat for more protein. Rolled oats are used in this soup as the thickening agent without the need of adding cream.


Ingredients: 
(Serves 2) 

1 tablespoon butter 
1 red onion, chopped 
1/4 slice of 1 small pumpkin, chopped
5 cherry tomatoes
Some minced meat
1/4 cup organic rolled oats*, uncooked
1 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling spaghetti)

* Rolled oats is used in this recipe.

How to:

Heat up butter in a deep saucepan. Cook red onions until soft. Stir in minced meat and cook until it changes color. Then, add pumpkins. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.

Add pasta water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

When the pumpkins are fork-tender, add in rolled oats and simmer until the oats are almost dissolved and the mixture looks creamy. Add in cherry tomatoes. Stir well.

Remove from heat and let the soup cool down for about 8-10 minutes. Then, pour the soup into a blender. Pulse until you get the creamy consistency that you want.

Toss cooked spaghetti with some extra virgin olive oil before serving.


I hope you like all these recipes. Happy cooking!


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