Take Your Snacks To The Next Level - Pair Them With These 5 Mexican Dips

Let's admit it, snacks won't taste half as good without delicious dips on the side. Be it nachos, potato wedges, cheese balls, kebabs, or French fries, teaming them up with a yummy dip adds more zing to them. It can also be a lifesaver in situations when your snack doesn't turn out as you expected it to. Whether you prefer something cheesy, tangy, or spicy, you can choose the one that suits your preference. While there are some classic ones that we always fall back on, there are times when we feel like having something different. If you're in a similar mood, you've come to the right place. Here are some delectable Mexican dips that will transform your snacks from ordinary to extraordinary.
Also Read: 5 Delicious And Healthy Green Dips To Pair With Your Snacks

Here Are 5 Mexican Dips You Can Pair With Your Snacks:

1. Guacamole

Guacamole is undoubtedly one of the most popular Mexican dips. To make it, all you need to do is lightly mash the avocados and add chopped tomatoes, onions, green chillies, and coriander to it. Top it with salt and a drizzle of lemon juice, and that's it! This creamy and chunky dip will enhance the flavour of your snacks instantly. Click here for the complete recipe for Guacamole.

2. Roasted Tomato Chipotle Salsa

If you prefer tangy dips, look no further than this roasted tomato chipotle salsa. The ingredients of this dip are baked and then blended with chipotle chillies. The baking helps impart a roasted flavour to this dip, which is quite delightful for the taste buds. Pair it with crispy nachos or chips and enjoy. Find the complete recipe for Roasted Tomato Chipotle Salsa here.

3. Mexican Yoghurt Dip

This creamy yoghurt dip features jalapenos, tabasco, and capsicums. It's quite refreshing and goes well with a range of finger foods. Apart from using it as a dip, you can also use it as a substitute for sour cream with Mexican tacos and burritos. Now, that's a perfect example of a dip that is both tasty and versatile. Click here for the complete recipe for Mexican Yoghurt Dip.

4. Bell Pepper And Bean Dip

Another Mexican dip that you must try is this bell pepper and bean dip. The bell peppers are grilled and then combined with chillies, garlic, and lemon. It has a slightly spicy flavour, making it ideal for those who prefer spicier dips. The best part? You can make this yummy dip in just under 10 minutes. Find the complete recipe for Bell Pepper And Bean Dip here.
Also Read: 7 Yummy Garlic Dips That Will Add A Burst Of Flavour To Your Meals

5. Corn Salsa

Salsa dip is traditionally made with tomatoes, but this one is prepared with corn. Steamed corn is tossed in a honey-lime dressing and some spices. You can pair this dip with crispy and crunchy snacks. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a bit of lemon juice, and savour its delectable taste. Want to give it a try? Click here for the complete recipe for Corn Salsa.

Try out these delicious Mexican dips and let us know which one turned out to be your favourite. For more such interesting recipes, keep coming back to our website.

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5 Romantic Food Ideas For Celebrating Your First Anniversary In The Most Memorable Way

There are many important milestones you can celebrate with your partner. From going out together for a month, confessing your love for the first time, popping the big question, and committing to each other for a lifetime of happiness -- there can be many beautiful and important moments to celebrate. One such romantic event to celebrate is your first anniversary. Now it can be your first wedding anniversary or an anniversary to celebrate any important milestone of your relationship. If you are confused about how to celebrate it, food can be your simple and delicious answer. If you love exploring the world of food with your partner, here are some perfect ways to celebrate your first anniversary by sharing your love for food with your partner:

5 Food Ideas To Celebrate Your First Anniversary:

1. Breakfast In Bed

Start your romantic day right with breakfast by preparing a delicious breakfast in bed for your partner. You can add cakes, pancakes, juices, tea, coffee, hash browns, or any of your partner's favourite breakfast foods to this menu.
Also Read: 5 Breakfast-In-Bed Ideas To Impress Your Foodie Partner

2. Romantic Dinner At Their Favorite Restaurant

Get dressed for a fancy, romantic dinner at your partner's favourite restaurant. You can also turn it into a surprise and reserve a table in advance. Order your favourite foods and some champagne for a memorable, fun, and love-filled dinner.

3. Recreate Your First Date

One fun way to celebrate your first anniversary is by recreating your first date. Perhaps you met in a café that you no longer go to. Revisit that place for a sweet and nostalgic ride. Do you remember what your partner ordered? Make it more fun by ordering the same food you did for your first date.

4. Romantic Movie Night

If you do not want to go out and do something fancy, you can always plan a romantic movie date night at home. Set mood lighting, put on your favourite romantic movie, and plan a delicious menu. You can eat popcorn, cake, order a pizza, and some wine. Perfect!
Also Read: French Couple's 'Netflix And Chill' Menu Sparks Internet Debate: Romantic or Unhealthy?

5. Cocktails And Dancing

Here is another chill way of celebrating your first anniversary. If you are a fan of cocktails, you can head out to a bar or experiment at home by trying new, different, delicious cocktails. Play some dance music in the background, grab some snacks, and you have the perfect anniversary party.

Which of these is your favourite way of celebrating an anniversary with your foodie partner? Tell us in the comments.

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Bored Of Potato Chips? Try These 5 Delicious Alternatives To Chips Today

Crispy, crunchy, and delicious, chips make for an amazing binge-eating snack at any hour of the day. Nowadays, potato chips come in different flavours to cater to our needs. From tomato to crab spice, you name it. However, potato chips are harmful if consumed in excess. It could lead to an increase in your blood pressure, weight gain, heart disease, and several other health-related problems. The good thing is that you don't have to depend on potato chips to get the desired crisp and crunch from a snack. You can make your own! If you are someone who is looking for some healthy alternatives to potato chips, then fret not! We have compiled a list of 5 delicious alternatives to chips, which are packed with nutrients!
Also Read: 5 Types of Sugar That Are Better Alternatives to Refined Sugar

Beet chips are tasty and healthy.
Photo Credit: iStock

Here Are 5 Crunchy Alternatives That Will Make You Ditch Potato Chips Forever

1. Beet Chips

Thinly sliced beets baked to perfection, Beet chips offer a nutritious and vibrant twist on traditionally unhealthy chips. The natural sweetness of beet chips pairs perfectly with the salt and herbs seasoning, which results in a satisfying crunch. Beets are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can benefit your body. Moreover, its beautiful red hue isn't just tantalizing for your taste buds but also visually appealing. To make beet chips, all you have to do is air fry sliced beets and season them! And they're ready!

2. Sweet Potato Chips

What's better than potato chips? Sweet potato chips! These nutritious chips are bright orange and taste amazing with a variety of seasonings. Packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, the best part is that you can easily make them at home. Cut sweet potatoes into thin slices and place them on a parchment paper-lined air fryer rack. Bake and season them with salt, pepper, and cinnamon powder. Enjoy these sweet potato chips with homemade dips like salsa and hummus!

3. Zucchini Chips

Yes, you have heard about zucchini noodles but did you know you can also make chips from this veggie? A whole new twist to traditional potato chip snacking, zucchini chips are tasty, crunchy, and mild-flavoured. It's because of this flavour that you can season them with any condiment of your choice. Zucchini chips are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. The best way to enjoy these chips and make them more flavorful is by adding garlic powder, black pepper, and dry herbs!

Zucchini chips have a mild flavour.
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Banana Chips

Is there anybody who does not like banana chips? Tasty, banana chips serve as a perfect tea time and binge-eating snack when you want to switch to something healthier. You can enjoy them as a standalone snack or crush them and mix them with trail mix. The best part about banana chips is their versatility. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs perfectly with yogurt, nut butter, and even chocolate! Sprinkle some salt and black pepper on top of them and dig in!

5. Carrot Chips

High in fibre and low in calories, carrot chips can easily be made at home and are a nutritious alternative to potato chips. The only thing different about these chips is the shape. When baked, carrots' natural sweetness gets retained in the vegetable chip and pairs perfectly with dry herbs and oregano. You can also eat carrot chips with creamy yogurt, guacamole, or pesto sauce. All you need to do is place thinly sliced carrot strips in an oven or air fryer and bake them until they are dry. And they're done!
Also Read: Indulge In Creamy Delights Without Cream: 5 Heavy Cream Substitutes You Should Have

Which one are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments below!

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Restaurant Review: Avartana Brings Its Soulful South Indian Experiments To Mumbai

I never knew I would enjoy rasam poured from a French press into a Martini glass. I didn't realise my papad could lend amazing crunch to my dessert. I never imagined I'd taste doodhi in the form of spaghetti. This was until I dined at Avartana at ITC Maratha in Mumbai. My recent meal at the preview of ITC's flagship contemporary South Indian restaurant was eye-opening in more ways than one. The original Avartana at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai was ranked 30th among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. It was one of only three Indian restaurants to be featured on the prestigious list. Its Mumbai outpost continues its legacy of celebrating the mystical yet modern aromas from Southern India.

_{Photo Credit: Avartana}

Avartana offers five tasting menus, each inspired by different motifs and storytelling objectives: the seven-course Maya (mystical), the nine-course Bela (beautiful), the chef-special eleven-course Jiaa (soulful), the thirteen-course Anika (grace) and the thirteen-course seafood special Tara (sparkling). At the preview, we enjoyed a selection of dishes from each menu, aptly united under the title of "Kimaya" (divine). We had chosen to try the vegetarian menu and were pleased to note that the variety and ingenuity were equally matched with that of the non-veg section.

_{Potato Nest. Photo Credit: Avartana}

The amuse bouche was a mini Potato Nest topped with a pineapple and mint sphere. It broke apart with satisfying crispiness, flooding our palette with a refreshing burst of flavour. The first true taste of Avartana's signature style was in the Distilled Tomato Rasam that followed. The broth was poured over fresh coriander leaves and cherry tomatoes in a French press. It was then served to us in Martini glasses. Two sips were all that were needed to convince us - we could have this every day! The understated heat of the black pepper and the smoothness of the rasam combined to give it a uniquely healing effect.

The rasam epitomised the delightful balance that Avartana manages to master - the presentation of ingredients is unfamiliar, but the taste is undeniably wholesome. The dishes are experiments with a soul. They are not fancy reinterpretations that confound and leave one scrambling to find a silver lining. Creativity and thoughtfulness radiate from the menu, plating, service and decor. 

_{Tempered Bottle Gourd. Photo Credit: Avartana}

After making a mental note to request rasam refills, we began with the courses. For vegetarians, the first to arrive was the Tempered Bottle Gourd. The humble doodhi was virtually unrecognisable on my plate in its spaghetti-like avatar. I was almost suspicious. This feeling of unfamiliarity is a contrived one, Chef Deepti Jadhav tells us. She explains that Avartana aims to create that vague dissonance between the conventional and the unconventional. It is not here to deliver what we are "used to". It is here to challenge our notions of what these simple, everyday ingredients can be turned into. But once you dig in, Chef Deepti assures us, you'll find the roots.

_{Drumstick Dumpling. Photo Credit: Avartana}

She was not wrong. The dish in front of us was made of doodhi. But we had a newfound appreciation for its texture and coolness. We (delicately) slurped it down with plum chutney and a multi-seed crisp. The Andhra mango ginger used to flavour the gourd is one of several hyperlocal ingredients that the restaurant takes pride in including. Several of the key ingredients are directly sourced from the Southern regions, as the team wants to replicate the charm of the original Avartana, Chef Deepti clarifies. The next novelty was the Drumstick Dumpling with moringa broth. Indians are no strangers to different vegetable stuffings inside dumplings and dim sums. Although uncommon, let us tell you, that the choice of a drumstick filling, like this one, works marvellously.

_{Crispy Chilli Potato. Photo Credit: Avartana}

Next, we feasted with childlike enthusiasm on the perfectly Crispy Chilli Potato - who could resist? It was spiced with Andhra-style vepudu masala and adorned with a buttermilk sphere. Another favourite was the Asparagus & Coconut Stew served with Idiyappam. Asparagus is not something one would usually find on South Indian menus. Chef Nikhil Nagpal, the brand custodian, explained how the vegetable was chosen for its ability to keep the focus on the flavours of the stew. Additionally, we discovered that the stringy idiyappams pair quite well with the crunch of asparagus too.

_{Asparagus & Coconut Stew. Photo Credit: Avartana}

The ambience provided a harmonious backdrop to our culinary experiences. The banana leaf - the quintessential South Indian symbol - is a recurrent motif incorporated into the decor. The bright lighting is meant to represent the vibrant sunlight that graces the Southern states. The flooring has been inspired by traditional designs found in temples over there. The chandelier brings to mind the design of the cove of houseboats on the backwaters of Kerala. The crockery also serves as a reminder of the restaurant's roots. Some of the courses are plated on granite serving dishes sourced directly from Mahabalipuram. One of the more colourful pieces is crafted with resin from Pondicherry. Diners can thus expect a genuinely holistic experience. 

_{Photo Credit: Avartana}

As we savoured the courses, we sipped on a wonderful mocktail called Pickle Jar - a concoction of raw mango, celery, coriander and lime juice, with a hint of red chilli powder. It was slightly tangy and wholly refreshing and didn't go overboard with sourness. We loved the touch of serving it in a glass that actually resembled a pickle jar. The same can be said of the exquisite lemon leaf sorbet, which was served next as the palate cleanser.

_{Spinach And Curd Cheese. Photo Credit: Avartana}

Our enjoyment of the meal did not waver at any point. We were fascinated yet again by the delectable transformation of an everyday veggie when the Spinach And Curd Cheese arrived. The green leaves were shaped like a potli and enclosed a yummy dahi tempered with mustard seeds and onion. It was served with an aerated rice cake and South Indian-style salsa. The dish as a whole was unlike any palak sabzi or snack we've tasted. Even picky eaters won't complain about greens in this delicious form.

_{Uthukuli Morel. Photo Credit: Avartana}

The next course was all about indulgence. The Uthukuli Morel was among the most memorable parts of our evening. The rich sauce pays homage to Uthukuli, a small town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its butter. It is served with butter toffee and mini Malabar parottas, which were also slathered with butter. This was the only course that felt heavier on the system but we had no regrets. The flakiness of the parottas and the exquisite amount of butter, when relished in such a setting, reminded us of the decadence of croissants and fine French pastries. But there was something special about seeing an Indian indulgence in the spotlight in this specific manner.

_{Jackfruit Rice with Okra Yogurt. Photo Credit: Avartana}

After this buttery binge, the Jackfruit Rice, steamed in a banana leaf, had a grounding effect. The jackfruit was beautifully cooked and fell apart easily as we scooped up the rice and okra yoghurt. The delicacy has a hometown feeling attached to it. Even if you're not from the South, the dish seems like one you would eat and cherish at a grandparents' house.

_{Raw Mango Pudding with Ghee Candle. Photo Credit: Avartana}

Both the dessert courses we tasted had theatrical elements to them. Flavour continued to reign, so we could not complain. The Raw Mango Pudding comes with a ghee candle that can be actually lit. As it melts, it lends the sweet a quick jolt of warmth. Ensure you quickly crush the accompanying papad over it and relish the pudding.

_{Fennel Panna Cotta. Photo Credit: Avartana}

The next course was more hands-on. The Fennel Panna Cotta is designed like a bird's nest. The sparkly nest is crafted with caramelised sugar and shelters a sweet, scrumptious egg. The egg 'white' is the panna cotta, while the shell is made of cocoa butter. There's a yolk as well, made using mango and ginger puree. A small hammer is used to crack the egg and out flows the yolk! It's a pleasing visual spectacle; but even if you're not impressed, the mastery demonstrated in the balance of sweetness will win you over.

Avartana breathes magic into mundane ingredients at every step. We often compare a fantastic dining experience to a journey filled with discovery and adventure. This metaphor has never been more fitting than in the case of Avartana, Mumbai. We would gladly retrace our steps and make the voyage again.

• Where: Avartana, ITC Maratha, Mumbai - A Luxury Collection Hotel, Sahar Airport Road, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400099 (Near International Airport, Ashok Nagar)
• When: Dinner Only All Days, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Prior Table Bookings with Menu Preference are recommended)
• Price: INR 2500 - 4750 plus taxes, per guest, depending on the course selected.

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Planning A Delhi Food Tour? Don't Miss Out On The Spicy Matar Chaat

Every 'gully' in Delhi has a fascinating story featuring the glorious history that goes back to thousand years. Be it the monuments, the artefacts or the cuisine, the city has been attracting people from around the world with all its unique features. And if you are a foodie like us, then Delhi is just the spot for you to explore an overwhelming variety of street foods. You would find number of street vendors at every nook and corner offering different delicacies, but what tops the list is 'Dilli ki chaat'. From the simplest pani puri to the exotic palak patta chaat, there were countless options to satiate every kind of taste bud. One such option that rules the heart of Delhi is matar chaat. Boiled safed matar, mixed with onion, tomato, tangy water and some spices, the dish adds different notes of flavours on every layer.

What Makes Matar Chaat A Popular Street Food In Delhi?

1. Matar chaat is super versatile:

If you go on a food tour in Delhi, especially in Old Dilli, you would find people selling hot matar chaat from handi placed behind their bicycles. You can have the chaat as is or pair with kulcha/paratha for wholesome meal. That's not all. Some like adding deep fried papdi on the top for added crunch, while some mix it with samosa to turn it into samosa chaat.

2. Matar chaat makes for a healthy street food:

Besides being so versatile, it is considered healthy too. Wonder why? If you look into the recipe, you would find no use of oil or fried items. It is a simple and flavourful blend of boiled matar and some raw ingredients that makes it a healthy, protein-packed option to go for. You can include it in your weight loss diet, that too without any guilt.

3. Matar chaat is easy to replicate:

The best part is, you can make it at home too. The recipe is so simple that you can prepare every element from the very scratch to put together the delicacy just like the ones available at your street corner.

How To Make Dilli-Special Matar Chaat:

While we would suggest you to try the dish from a street-side vendor in Delhi, for the ones who can't step out or reside outside the city, here's a recipe you can try at home. This recipe is shared by Chef Ajay Chopra and has successfully evoked our memories of the bylanes of Delhi.
To make the dish, you need to first boil matar with some salt and turmeric. Then add raw onion, tomatoes, coriander, chaat masala, tangy chutney and some other ingredients. Mix everything together and serve. If you ask us, we like our chaat with some extra spicy and sourness, but you always adjust the amount of ingredients as per your palate. That's the beauty of chaat! It has the ability to satisfy every soul around.
Also Read: Street Food Of India: 5 Dilli-Style Chaat Recipes You Must Try
Watch the detailed recipe below:

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A post shared by Master Chef Ajay Chopra (@chefajaychopra)

Meanwhile, we bring you some other popular chaat options from Delhi that you must try. Click here for the recipes.

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Paratha Vs Parotta: Are They Same? 4 Key Points That Set These Classic Breads Apart

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of different types of food. While our focus is usually on the rich and robust curries, the breads are just as exciting. Without them, it would be impossible to fully savour the flavours of the meal. Among the endless varieties of bread in India, paratha and parotta are quite popular. They are staples for many people across the country. However, have you ever found yourself wondering what the difference is between the two? Or are they the same bread, just with different names? Because they do sound quite similar. If you're interested in finding out the answers to these questions, keep reading as we decode them for you.

What Is Paratha?

Paratha is one of the most popular flatbreads in North India. It is commonly eaten for breakfast but is enjoyed for lunch and dinner as well. The dough of paratha is prepared with atta (whole-wheat flour), which is stuffed with several different types of filling. Some popular paratha varieties include aloo, gobhi, paneer, dal and more.

What Is Parotta?

Parotta is a flatbread hailing from the southern region of the country. Unlike paratha, the dough of parotta is prepared with maida (all-purpose flour). It somewhat resembles a pancake but with a crispier and flakier texture. Parotta is also quite popular in Sri Lanka and is best enjoyed when served with flavourful curries. Malabar Parotta is a classic example.
Also Read: How To Make Methi Lachha Paratha - A Crispy And Flavourful Delight That You'll Love

Paratha Vs Parotta: Here Are Some Key Differences Between The Two:

1. Ingredients:

The difference in ingredients is the most striking dissimilarity between these breads. The dough of the paratha is always made with atta. Whereas the dough of parotta has maida as its key ingredient. It also contains a bit of sugar and milk, which you won't find in the ingredients list for paratha.

2. Preparation Style:

Paratha and parotta are prepared quite differently as well. The former simply requires you to roll and fold the dough to give it a layered texture. For the latter, you need to first roll out the dough into a ball, then a rope, and finally coil it to be rolled out again. This results in different textures in both breads.

3.Texture:

The textures of paratha and parotta differ to a great extent. Paratha usually has a soft and fluffy texture. Parotta, on the other hand, is super crispy and flaky. However, it's possible to make crispy paratha as well, depending on personal preference. Similarly, parotta too offers a soft texture on its inside.

4. Serving Style:

Paratha is typically served topped with butter and a side of curd, or achaar. Whereas parotta is paired with different types of curries: vegetarian or non-vegetarian. While these are the traditional methods of serving, there are some who like to pair paratha with sabzi and dal as well.
Also Read: Veg Kothu Parotta: How To Make This Delicious Street-Style South Indian Dish

Photo Credit: iStock

So, the next time you find yourself confused about differentiating between paratha and parotta, you'll know exactly what sets them apart.

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Gond Ki Raab: Your Winter Elixir For Boosting Immunity And Keeping Infections At Bay

Just like every season, winter too has its pros and cons. The pro is that we get respite from the scorching heat. However, this is also a time when we are more prone to falling sick. The chilly weather outside can weaken our immunity, and staying indoors further adds to the problem. To combat this, health experts often suggest including immunity-boosting foods and drinks in your diet. One such popular drink that is prepared during the winter months is raab. It is quite common in Gujarati and Rajasthani households and is known to be quite beneficial for our health. Let's introduce you to an interesting raab recipe that will be your companion in boosting immunity this winter: gond ki raab.
Also Read: This Winter-Special Bajra Raab May Help With Fatigue, Sore Throat And Building Immunity

What Is Gond Ki Raab?

Raab is a warm and healthy porridge-like drink popularly made during the winter months. Traditionally, it is made with flour, gud (jaggery), and ghee, but this one is prepared with gond. Gond is basically edible gum and is used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. To make this raab, gond is first fried and then mixed with nuts, spice powders, and coconut. Finally, the mixture is boiled in jaggery-infused water.

Is Gond Ki Raab Good For The Immune System?

Absolutely! Gond, the key ingredient in this raab, has remarkable benefits for our health, including the immune system. Several studies suggest that gond contains anti-bacterial properties that help keep infections at bay. Apart from strengthening immunity, gond is also great for strengthening bones and relieving joint pain.

Gond Ki Raab Recipe | How To Make Gond Ki Raab

This recipe for gond ki raab was shared by the Instagram page @meghnasfoodmagic. To begin with, start by frying the gond in a kadhai with a bit of ghee. Fry until it fluffs up and becomes crunchy. This will take you anywhere from 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and crush it using a rolling pin. To this, add sonth, ginger powder, ganthoda powder, cardamom powder, chopped almonds, and grated coconuts. Mix well and keep aside. Next, boil water in a kadhai and add jaggery to it. Let it come to a boil, and then add the prepared gond and sonth mixture. Continue to boil for 8 to 10 minutes on a medium flame. Transfer to a cup and serve hot! Your homemade gond ki raab is ready!
Also Read: Bajra Ki Raab: The Coolest Way to Power Up Your Immune System and Your Taste Buds!

Watch the detailed recipe video below:

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A post shared by Meghna's Food Magic (@meghnasfoodmagic)

Make this delicious concoction at home to keep yourself fit and healthy this winter. Do let us know how you found its taste.

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