Wall Mounted Pot Rack – Organize Your Pots And Pans

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

About Wall Mounted Pot Racks

Wall Mount Pot RackA wall mounted pot rack is a type of kitchen organizational furniture that allows you to hang your pots, pans, and lids from a rack with hooks, rather than stacked in your cabinets. Pot racks have been a somewhat exclusive luxury to gourmet kitchens in the past, however there are several low cost (under $50) solutions for people who wish to save space and organize their kitchens. Pot racks can be made with a variety of materials ranging from steel, aluminum, wrought iron, wood, and plastics. A stainless steel wall mounted pot rack is sure to add a decorative flare to any kitchen. Most hanging pot racks utilize an open design which gives the feeling of a larger space.

Benefits Of A Wall Mounted Pot Rack

While hanging pot racks are very common, those with medium to small kitchens may find that a wall mounted pot rack is better suited for their needs. All pot racks have several benefits for the homeowner including:

  • Convenience – Finding the right size pot or pan is a breeze when they are all hanging in clear view on a wall mounted pot rack. Rather than trying to collapse and stack similar pots and pans, a pot rack makes putting dishes a way effortless.
  • Organization – An uncluttered kitchen is an efficient kitchen. Save time and headache by keeping your pots and pans organized.
  • Space Savings – Wall mounted pot racks are particularly popular with apartment owners because of the space they save and the cabinet space they free up.
  • Scratch Free Storage – Expensive and even cheap nonstick pots and pans can easily be scratched or damaged when stacked in cabinets. A wall mounted pot and pan rack can keep your investment scratch, chip and dent free.
  • Decorative – There’s no doubt that hanging pot racks give even the most modest kitchen an aesthetically pleasing face lift.

Pot Rack Buying Guide

If you are considering purchasing a pot rack for your kitchen, realize that there are not only differences in style, but also features and durability. Before you buy consider some of the following features:
Hanging Pot Rack – Hanging pot racks are perfect for medium to large sized kitchens. They are decorative and functional. Mounting requires finding adequate anchor points in the ceiling. The height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the suspension chain or cord.

  • Wall Mounted Type – Best for smaller kitchens where space savings are required. Look for things like interchangeable hooks, or a wall mounted pot rack with shelf space for lids and appliances.
  • Number Of Hooks – Be sure to count the number of hooks you require on your pot rack. If you need the extra space, be sure your brand pot rack sells additional hooks.
  • Mounting Points – Whether you are interested in a hanging or wall mounted pot rack, be sure it has at least 4 mounting points for a secure and balanced installation.
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Stainless Steel Wok – Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pans And Woks

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

What Is A Wok?

Stainless Steel WokA wok is a round bottomed pan used commonly in Asian cuisine for stir frying, boiling, and steaming. It differs from traditional frying pans in it’s shape which is more spherical than flat bottomed. While wok connoisseurs will argue the pan must have a completely round bottom for even cooking and easy stirring, many western manufactured woks have a small flat part on their bottom to accommodate electric stove tops.

Most traditional woks are made with carbon steel which must be “seasoned” before it can be used by heating the pan to extreme temperatures to cause a blue and darkened color. Additionally, it must be treated with oil regularly when not in use to prevent rust and carbon from building up on the surface.

Why A Stainless Steel Wok?

While most traditional woks are made with carbon steel, stainless steel wok technology has advanced enough to make them a serious competitor, particularly in the western market. Prior to the implementation of the aluminum bottom core, stainless steel poorly conducted heat causing uneven cooking patterns. Today, stainless steel woks cook nearly as well as their high maintenance carbon steel cousins without all of the hassles.

Also gaining popularity in American kitchen’s are the non-stick woks. Although the non-stick surface is easy to clean, you should be aware that the teflon non-stick surface can be dangerous when heated above 450 degrees. Since most wok and stir fry pan recipes call for high temperature cooking, a stainless steel wok is a superior alternative.

Features To Look For

If you are interested in exploring the art of Asian cooking, there are several features you should look for in a stainless steel wok before buying it.

  • Encapsulated Bottom – Because of stainless steel’s poor conductivity an aluminum core in the bottom of your wok is essential.
  • Gauge – The higher the gauge, the better the quality. Look for at least 18/10 gauge stainless steel in your wok.
  • Stay Cool Handle – Long handles are required to safely handle cooking at high temperatures.
  • Warranty – Most companies offer lifetime warranties on their products, like the all clad stainless steel wok.

Electric Stainless Steel Wok

For simple stir fry cooking, steaming, and boiling consider an stainless steel electric wok. The self contained and easy to use design will save time and energy. The built in thermostat controls of an electric stainless steel wok make it easy for anyone to set the right temperature for cooking without the hazards of an open flame.

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Pancake Griddle – The Best Cast Iron And Electric Pancake Griddles

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

About Pancake Griddles

Electric Pancake GriddleA pancake griddle is a commercial or home kitchen appliance that uses a flat evenly heated surface to cook pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon and other meats. They are designed to have over-sized cooking areas to have room for large, flat items like pancakes and french toast. The difference between a traditional pan, and a pancake griddle is both it’s large size and it’s low edges. Whereas a pan may have an edge as tall as 2-3 inches a pancake griddle has a small lip of half an inch or less. This small lip gives you the ability to flip your pancakes and eggs efficiently and evenly without damaging them.

Generally speaking, pancake griddles are divided into one of two categories- traditional griddles made of cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel, and self contained electric pancake griddles with built in temperature control.

Benefits Of A Pancake Griddle

There are several benefits of pancake griddles that make them a welcome addition to any kitchen. First and foremost is the easy flipping and large surface area. But other features like a non-stick surface make it easier and healthier to get a perfect brown pancake as opposed to the butter or grease that would be needed to cook on a stainless steel pan.

Pancake griddles are also designed to provide a perfectly even heating surface as to avoid under or over cooking your pancakes. Finally, a temperature control or indicator makes it easy to tell when your surface is preheated- essential for making the perfect pancake. Inadequate heating surfaces will cause your pancakes to brown unevenly, or worse under-cook or burn.

Features Of Pancake Griddles

The best pancake griddle will have many features that make cooking pancakes a breeze. But depending on whether you buy a cast iron pancake griddle, or an electric pancake griddle, the features you will find will vary. A few that you can compare amongst brands include:

  • Size – Pancakes take up a lot of surface area, make sure you compare the same size pancake griddles when making a decision.
  • Non-Stick – A non-stick surface is nearly essential to make fluffy pancakes.
  • Temperature Control – Electric pancake griddles will have a thermostat for setting the proper temperature. Some cast iron griddles have pre-heated indicators.
  • Low Edges – Low edges make pancake flipping easy.
  • Even Cooking – Read pancake griddle reviews to ensure that customers are happy with the appliance performs in real life.
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Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker – Enjoy Homemade Ice Cream With Family

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

How Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker’s Work

Hand Crank Ice Cream MakerThe basic hand crank ice cream maker consists of 3 parts. First is the container which houses the inner canister, ice, and ingredients. The second part is the canister which holds the ingredients for the ice cream, and finally the crank, which churns the ice cream ingredients until they are firm and delicious. The inner canister is placed inside of the outer container with an even amount of space around the outside of the canister. Ice and rock salt fill the gap bringing the temperature inside the canister below freezing point. After adding all of the ingredients into the canister, it is sealed off with the crank firmly mounted on top.

As you turn the crank, the ice cream will churn inside the sub-freezing canister. This will harden the ice cream, but also melt the outer ice and rock salt. Keeping adding layers of ice and rock salt to the outer container to keep the temperature even. After around 20-25 minutes of churning, the ice cream will be firm, delicious, and ready to eat.

Benefits Of A Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker

There are a number of benefits of using an old fashioned hand crank ice cream maker rather than settling for the store bought type. First and foremost, the process is a memorable experience you can pass along to your loved ones. In today’s culture, we seem to be more distant from our food than in the past. Making anything yourself by hand is sure to yield memories of pride and entertainment.

However, there are significant health benefits of using a hand crank ice cream maker as opposed to “going out” for desert. First is the control of the ingredients, particularly the sugar, in your desert. Commercial ice creams have loads of excess sugar and carbohydrates to improve the flavor of their products. Homemade ice cream can be made with as much or as little sweetener as desired. Secondly, store bought ice creams have several additives and flavorings to help preserve the consistency and flavor of the ice cream sitting in a grocery store freezer. Homemade ice cream is fresh, simple, and delicious.

Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker Recipes

There are essentially three ingredients in every batch of homemade ice cream: milk/cream, sugar, flavor. The most basic and delicious antique hand crank ice cream maker recipe is as follows:

3 cups whole or 2% milk
2 cups sugar
5 cups cream
3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Mix the ingredients together and add them to the inner canister. Churn for 20-25 minutes and enjoy! You can also add fresh fruit or other natural flavorings to make your ice cream personal and delicious. For larger batches, use a 6QT White Mountain hand crank ice cream maker and treat large groups of people to homemade treat.

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Electric Carving Knife – Cordless Electric Carving Knives

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

What Is An Electric Carving Knife?

Electric Carving Knives

An electric carving knife is a handheld kitchen appliance that takes the work out of cutting and carving large servings of meat, bread, and deserts. It is constructed with two serrated knife blades attached to a small reciprocating motor. As the dual blades slice back and forth, they are able to slice through foods with minimal effort and precision accuracy. Most electric carving knives are small enough to be held with one hand while you hold down the meat with your spare hand. The first electric carving knife was introduced in the United States in the mid 1960s.

Features And Benefits

Electric carving knives are known for cutting down the effort and time it takes to carve large amounts of meat or slice bread. Since it’s inception, the electric carving knife has undergone several revisions that add even more comfort and convenience to the carving experience. Some of the most popular electric knife features include:

  • Cordless Operation – Cordless electric carving knives make it easy to carve your thanksgiving turkey right at the table. Even if near a power source, the absence of a tether to the wall makes it much easier to cut, slice and dice.
  • Ergonomic Grip – Comfort of electric carving knives has come a long way in the past few decades. Today’s knives are lightweight, molded for human hands, and easy to operate.
  • Dual Blade – The dual blade construction of modern electric carving knives makes cuts effortless and clean sliced.

If you are looking to purchase an electric carving knife, there are several things you should consider when comparing different brands. Some of the most important include:

  • Noise – Low-noise electric knives make conversation much easier at the table or in the kitchen while carving.
  • Vibration – Excessive vibration can cause discomfort after just a few minutes of carving.
  • On-Off Switch – Hold the knife in your hands and get a sense for the convenience of theon-off switch.
  • Bulk – New electric carving knife design has a slim and streamlined appearance making the easy to hold and work with.
  • Blade – Make sure your blades are stainless steel and sharp to the touch.

Manual Vs. Electric Carving Knife

An electric carving knife is perfect for clean slices of tough meats like brisket, stuffed meats like pork loin, and even deserts which have very delicate creams and crusts. However, electric knives are not perfect for every application. Particularly, bony meats like lamb and chicken can be very difficult to carve without the “sense” of a manual carving knife. However, for perfectly clean slices of most foods, electric is far superior.

Disadvantages Of Electric Knives
The main disadvantage of an electric carving knife is the clean-up. You must disassemble and thoroughly clean an electric knife after every use to avoid the growth and spread of germs and bacteria. Therefore for small carving jobs, a traditional knife will probably be more convenient. Additionally, even the best electric carving knife can’t give you the ability to feel and avoid bones as you cut through the meat. However, despite these simple drawbacks, an electric carving knife is sure to cut hours out of your prep time in the kitchen.

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Yogurt Makers – Healthy And Delicious Yogurt Maker Machines

Posted on July 21, 2011 by admin

How Is Yogurt Made

The process of making yogurt at home is actually much easier than you might think. The core function of home yogurt makers is to create a controlled environment that will allow the proper bacterias to grow in heated milk. When incubated properly with the correct ingredients, yogurt will actually ferment as the bacterias consume the milk’s sugars and excrete lactic acid. This causes the milk proteins to curdle giving yogurt it’s thick consistency, in addition to it’s tangy rather than sweet taste. Electric yogurt makers make it easy to make organic yogurt at home with the push of a button.

Features Of Yogurt Makers

It’s actually possible to make yogurt with a crockpot, oven, or even a glass dish sitting out in the sun. However, the most consistent and energy efficient way of making yogurt at home is to buy an electric yogurt maker. The heating element inside the unit will bring the ingredients to the proper incubation temperature without burning or spoiling the yogurt. Additionally, yogurt makers have several features that make them a much more convenient way of making the delicious snack, such as:

  • Auto Off Timer – After letting your yogurt ferment for 4-8 hours it can be difficult to remember when to remove the ingredients from heat. Many quality yogurt makers have automatic temperature and auto-off timers making it easier to make the perfect yogurt.
  • Separate Containers – One of the nicest features of home yogurt makers is their separate glass jar holders. You can make your yogurt in up to 6 or 7 different flavors inside individual glass jars. Additionally, the separate containers make it easy to snack later without having to dish into a smaller bowl.
  • LCD Display – Know exactly how much time is left in your yogurt making process.

Benefits Of Homemade Yogurt

Because homemade yogurt can go straight to your refrigerator without the need to be pasteurized, the live bacteria you have made are known to be extremely helpful for everything from boosting your immune system to relieving digestive issues. According to webMD, yogurt has also been shown to improve several other ailments such as:

  • Osteoporosis – The calcium and vitamin D in yogurt are crucial for women of all ages.
  • High Blood Pressure – Studies have linked 2-3 servings per day of dairy to lower blood pressure.
  • Digestive Issues – The active cultures in homemade yogurt have been shown to ease the symptoms of several digestive problems such as lactose intolerance, constipation, diarrhea, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Yeast Infections – Studies have shown women who eat yogurt with active cultures showed a lowering of their vaginal pH levels from 6.0 to 4.0.
  • Weight Loss – Many people feel fuller after eating yogurt as a snack compared to other less nutritional, but equally calorically dense foods.

Purchasing a home yogurt maker can be an affordable and convenient way to enjoy all of the health benefits of yogurt without the high cost and wasteful packaging of store bought yogurt.

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Digital Kitchen Scale – Accurate Recipes, Healthy Portions

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

Benefits Of A Digital Kitchen Scale

Whether you want to more accurately measure ingredients for your favorite recipes, or you would like to control the size of your portions for healthy living, a digital kitchen scale is an affordable way to accomplish your goals. Digital kitchen scales offer an extremely easy way to measure everything from flour to fruit salad, ensuring we don’t overestimate what a healthy serving size actually is.

For cooks, a digital kitchen scale is a fool-proof way to follow recipes to the letter. Ingredients like flour can easily be distorted if you measure by volume (1 cup) instead of weight (4.5 oz) because how you handle the flour will affect it’s density. For example, scooping too hard can compress the flour making the volume seem the same, but in fact you have more flour than the recipe calls for.

Reclaiming Our Portions And Waistline

It’s no wonder our perception of proper food portions have been skewed. Restaurant and fast food meal sizes have more than doubled across the board in the past 40 years. Take for example, your favorite fast food value meal. In the 1960s a hamburger would be about 4oz, your french fries around 3oz, and your drink was 10oz. Today, that same value meal contains a 7.6oz hamburger, 7oz fries, and a 32oz drink- and more calories than most people should eat in an entire day.

One of the best ways to monitor your portions at restaurants and fast food chains is to box up half of your meal to take home before you even begin eating. However, serving sizes at home can also be deceiving. For example, one serving size of pasta according to the box is one cup, or 3.5oz. Measuring out 3.5oz on your digital food scale is a great way to keep healthy at home, however, according to the USDA one cup of pasta is two servings.

How To Use A Digital Kitchen Scale

Getting caught up in the details of exactly how much one serving actually is, is not a reason to get discouraged. In fact, by just purchasing and using a kitchen digital scale you are sure to see improvements in your portion size. By simply being aware of what is going into your body, you will be much more conscious of what you eat. Using a digital kitchen scale can be easy and fun, just follow the following tips:

  • Wash the surface of your scale before use.
  • Always reset or “zero” the scale before measuring any foods to ensure an accurate readout.
  • Place you food item on the scale, adding or taking away until the proper serving size is reached.

Although there are several different brands, the best digital kitchen scale is the one you’ll actually use. Choose a high quality scale like the EatSmart Precision Pro, and always be sure to read the digital kitchen scale reviews from customers before making your final purchase.

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Chocolate Fondue Fountain – A Fun Family Experience

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

What Is A Chocolate Fondue Fountain?

A chocolate fondue fountain is a type of device used to serve chocolate fondue in an interesting and entertaining fashion. After high end, low viscosity chocolate has been melted down, it is poured into a basin which keeps it in liquid state, as well as propels it to the top of the fountain. Once the chocolate reaches the top of the fountain through the core of the device, it overflows, cascading down the tiers of the fountain making it possible for guests to dip their fruit, marshmallows, or other deserts into delicious flow of chocolate.

Types Of Chocolate Fondue Fountains

Chocolate fondue fountains are usually divided into two categories- commercial and home use. Commercial chocolate fondue fountains are generally much larger in stature, made of more durable materials, and include more tiers or texture for the chocolate to flow over, making them a much more impressive spectacle. However, commercial units are usually reserved for large events such as weddings, bar mitzvah, and sweet sixteen parties.

For those that wish to enjoy chocolate fondue in their own home, cheap chocolate fondue fountains are available for as little as $30 dollars to as much as $100 dollars. The benefit of home 3 tier chocolate fountains is the fact that they use much less chocolate, eliminating waste. This makes them an extremely affordable fun activity for the family.

Chocolate Fondue Tips

When preparing your chocolate fondue fountain, there are several things you should be aware of to make the most of your investment. First and foremost, use only couverture chocolate, or one that contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter. Alternatively, you can use liquid chocolate which will naturally have the viscosity to make it’s way through the fountain.

Secondly, any type of fruit, desert, or pastry can be used to dip into the chocolate, but it’s important not to use foods that crumble easily. The last thing you want is chunks of food floating in the basin or making their way through the fountain. Some of the most popular dipping foods for chocolate fountains include:

  • Strawberries, Apples, Bananas, Raspberries
  • Pretzels, Marshmallows, Animals Crackers
  • Rice Crispy Treats, Brownies, Donuts
  • Cookies, Nuts, Popcorn

Just remember to make all of your goodies small and dense enough that they can be dipped and eaten in one bite!

It is also important to be aware of extra features such as an included heating element to keep your chocolate moving for hours, as well as things like adjustable feet which can be used to level your fondue fountain on an uneven surface or outdoors.

Chocolate fountains are perfect for large and small gatherings because it gives guests a place to congregate and converse with a common goal- enjoy as much delectable chocolate as possible. Rather than have your faces buried in your plates, chocolate fondue fountains add a social and entertaining element to dinner- the perfect way to finsh any great meal with friends and family.

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Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker – Quick And Efficient Cooking

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

What Is A Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are commonly constructed with either aluminum or stainless steel. Stainless steel pressure cookers are generally considered to be higher quality because of their lower thermal conductivity providing even distribution of heat beneath the pot. Pressure cooking has roots as early as the 17th century, originally becoming popular in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. However, because of it’s convenience and efficiency, pressure cooking has been experiencing a new found acclaim in recent years.

Types Of Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers

In general, stainless steel pressure cookers can be divided into one of two classes- first and second generation. Both utilize a similar design to trap heat, steam, and pressure inside a sealed and locked pot to heat foods quickly and with little energy. The difference in pressure cooker generations is dependent on their release valves.

First generations use gravity dependant weights which are triggered for release when the pressure inside the pot is high enough to lift the small weight. Second generation stainless steel pressure cookers have a spring assisted valve which are considered higher quality and also give the user the ability to adjust the release pressure requirement.

Electric stainless steel pressure cookers, sometimes called third generation, have heating elements included in the bottom of their pots. They require no exterior heat source like a stovetop to cook foods under pressure. Electric pressure cookers usually use second generation spring technology for their release valves.

Benefits Of Pressure Cooking

There are a number of reasons why pressure cooking is growing in popularity. Most stainless steel pressure cooker reviews agree that the time savings of a pressure cooker make it well worth the investment. Because water boils at a much higher temperature under pressure, you can cook food anywhere from two to ten times faster than in a traditional stovetop pot. Additionally, because of the increased temperature and faster cooking times, pressure cookers lock in the nutrients and vitamins usually cooked off when boiling or sauteing foods. Finally, because of the increased temperature, stainless steel pressure cookers are able to kill micro-organisms such as aflatoxins which are not completely removed even at traditional boiling point.

Aluminum Vs. Stainless Steel Pressure Cookers

Most experts agree, stainless steel pressure cookers will outlast and outperform aluminum pressure cookers. Brands like the Presto stainless steel pressure cooker have a 12 year warranty. However, expect to pay a premium for the stainless steel design. Additionally, if you plan on cooking highly acidic foods like tomatoes, aluminum pressure cookers can pit out and leech aluminum into your foods. Stainless steel pressure cookers are also dishwasher safe making them much easier to clean after preparing a delicious meal.

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Braun Hand Blender – Multiquick Hand Blender Guide

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

What Is A Braun Hand Blender

Braun Immersion BlenderFirst patented in 1950 by Swiss inventor Roger Perrinjaquet, the hand blender is well known for making mixing, blending, slicing, chopping, pureeing, and crushing much more convenient and efficient. Sometimes called immersion blenders, Braun hand blenders are much more convenient than traditional blenders and food processors because the long wand of the blender can be “immersed” directly into the food container in which it will be served. As opposed to the traditional food processor which requires you dirty and extra bowl and machine, Braun hand blenders can mix all of the ingredients for a soup directly in the bowl you can eat out of.

In some cases, hand blenders are even designed to to be able to mix directly in the pot on the stovetop. While there are literally hundreds of uses for hand blenders in any kitchen, most people only see them as a milk shake or malt mixer. In fact, however, hand blenders can do nearly everything a traditional blender or food processor can do with the added portability and efficiency of a long handheld device.

Jobs For The Braun Hand Blender

The Braun hand blender and chopper is perfect for chopping meats, herbs, hard cheeses and even frozen chocolates in a matter of seconds. Whip a perfectly airy egg omelet in less than a minute, or mix the ingredients for a delicious pastry. Use the same tool to effortlessly whip the cream needed to make the sugary filling. With all of the Braun hand blender accessories available you can even cut perfectly even slices of fruits and vegetables like zucchini, squash, and cucumber without all of the hassle of getting out the knife and cutting board.

Immersion Blender Benefits

There are a number of reasons which make Braun or Cuisinart hand blenders an indispensable tool in any kitchen. Unlike there counter-top cousins, immersion blenders can be easily stored in a drawer or cabinet out of sight. When in use, they offer many other features as well:

  • Portability – Hand blenders can be used anywhere in the kitchen. Their lightweight, handheld design makes them enjoy to use. Cordless models are perfect for outdoor or stove top cooking.
  • Easy Clean Up – Rather than dirty multiple bowls to make one dish, hand blenders allow you to mix and whip in your serving bowls. This eliminates multiple bowls as well as the heavy awkward machine that needs cleaned.
  • Efficiency – In addition to being much quieter during use, hand blenders are much more capable and mixing and whipping than traditional food processors because you control where the blade is most active.

Portable and convenient, a Braun hand blender would make a great addition to any kitchen whether it’s a gift to a relative or a gift to yourself.

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