Insightful Manual for Oven-Roasting Acorn Squash to Achieve Ideal Caramelization
### About the Author: Holly Nilsson
Holly Nilsson is the imaginative mind behind Spend With Pennies, a site devoted to providing simple and comforting recipes designed for daily life. With a strong passion for nostalgic tastes and straightforward cooking methods, Holly enables busy home chefs to create delectable meals that are both fulfilling and feasible.
Her culinary path is characterized by a dedication to making home cooking attainable for all, regardless of their expertise. Holly’s recipes frequently evoke a sense of coziness and familiarity, taking cues from classic dishes while modifying them for contemporary kitchens. This method not only makes cooking pleasurable but also nurtures a bond with the comforting meals of yesteryear.
Besides her contributions to Spend With Pennies, Holly is the writer of “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook aimed at motivating readers with wholesome, homemade meals. The book embodies her belief in crafting dishes that unite people, celebrating the pleasure of sharing food with family and friends.
For those interested in delving into more of Holly’s culinary inventions, her posts and recipes can be found on her website.
#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
Stay in touch with Holly and uncover more of her delectable recipes by following her on social media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)
Holly Nilsson continues to motivate home cooks everywhere, demonstrating that with the right support, anyone can whip up comforting meals that bring happiness to the dining experience.
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Perfect Meal Prep Breakfast for a Warm Autumn Morning
### Overnight Pumpkin Oats: A Quick and Tasty Breakfast
Overnight pumpkin oats are an enjoyable and healthy breakfast choice that the whole family will love. Blending oats, yogurt, pumpkin, nuts, and seeds with warm autumn spices, this recipe results in a creamy, protein-rich meal that is ideal for hectic mornings.
#### Flavor Profile
These overnight oats are smooth and subtly sweet, infused with comforting spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The medley of flavors captures the spirit of fall, making it a soothing breakfast selection.
#### Skill Level
This no-cook recipe is easy enough for children to make, enabling them to prepare their own nutritious breakfasts with little oversight.
#### Recommended Tools
Using wide-mouth mason jars with lids is perfect for meal preparation. They simplify the mixing of ingredients and are convenient for breakfasts on the go.
#### Make Ahead
Feel free to double or triple the recipe to stock your freezer. This ensures you’ll always have a quick and healthy breakfast option available.
### Ingredients Tip for Overnight Pumpkin Oats
1. **Oatmeal**: Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats deliver the ideal chewy consistency. Steer clear of quick oats as they tend to become too mushy.
2. **Pumpkin**: Opt for fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree, making sure to choose pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices.
3. **Dairy**: Vanilla yogurt and regular milk perform well, but you can switch to any yogurt or milk alternative. A splash of vanilla extract brings out the flavor.
4. **Sweetener**: Brown sugar or pure maple syrup pairs perfectly with the pumpkin pie spices. You can also utilize jam, jelly, honey, or monk fruit syrup for added sweetness.
5. **Nuts & Seeds**: Chia seeds help thicken the oats, though you can substitute them with nut or seed butters, hemp hearts, or ground flax. Incorporate walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for additional crunch.
6. **Variations**: Top your oats with whipped cream, fresh berries, or pumpkin spice granola. You can also mix in raisins, currants, or mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
### Holly’s Pro Tips
– If you’re out of milk, blend 2-3 tablespoons of nut butter with a cup of water as a substitute.
– Mix the ingredients thoroughly before refrigerating to avoid clumping of chia seeds.
### Keep Your Overnight Oats Fresh
These pumpkin oats can be enjoyed cold or heated in the microwave. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze (without the yogurt) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir in yogurt before serving.
### More Make Ahead Breakfasts
Discover additional make-ahead breakfast ideas to streamline your morning routine.
### Recipe: Overnight Pumpkin Oats
**Prep Time**: 20 minutes
**Chill Time**: 4 hours
**Total Time**: 4 hours 20 minutes
**Servings**: 4
#### Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Adjust sweetness as desired.
2. Divide the mixture into four mason jars or containers. Seal securely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
3. Before serving, top with whipped topping and pecans if you wish.
#### Notes
– Use flavored or unflavored yogurt, adding extra sweetener if using plain yogurt.
– Steel-cut oats may be used but require a longer refrigeration time.
– Chia seeds offer the best texture; substitute with ground flax, finely chopped nuts, or oat bran if necessary.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 355
– **Carbohydrates**: 49g
– **Protein**: 10g
– **Fat**: 15g
– **Fiber**: 8g
– **Sugar**: 24g
This nutritious and tasty breakfast choice is certain to become a beloved favorite in your home, providing a quick and satisfying start to your day!
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One-Pot Goulash Recipe: A Tasty Twist on Grandma’s Traditional Dish
# Simple Goulash Recipe: A Warm One-Pot Dish
This simple goulash recipe is a tasty meal that comes together swiftly, making it ideal for hectic weeknights. With ingredients you probably have available, this cozy dish includes ground beef and elbow macaroni cooked in a hearty tomato sauce, resulting in a warm one-pot creation that everyone in the family will enjoy.
## Flavor Profile
– **Hearty and Flavorful**: The blend of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices produces a familiar taste that many households love.
– **Beloved Family Classic**: This dish is frequently linked to home-cooked dinners and family celebrations.
## Skill Level
This recipe is perfect for novice cooks or anyone seeking an uncomplicated comfort food option. It’s simple and requires basic cooking skills, making it approachable for everyone.
## Ingredient Alternatives
Feel free to modify the recipe by swapping in different ingredients:
– **Meat Choices**: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef for a lighter choice.
– **Pasta Options**: While elbow macaroni is the standard, you can try other small pasta types like small shells, bowties, or ditalini.
## Simple Ingredients
1. **Ground Beef**: Opt for lean ground beef; it’s fine to use slightly more or less than the amount stated. Alternatives are Italian sausage, ground chicken, or turkey.
2. **Pasta**: American goulash generally features pasta rather than potatoes. Elbow macaroni is favored, but any small pasta shape works.
3. **Tomato Sauce**: Use store-bought tomato sauce or homemade marinara. Incorporating canned diced tomatoes improves texture and extends the meal.
4. **Seasoning**: Spice up the sauce with onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf. To save time, consider using minced garlic from a jar and dehydrated or frozen diced onions.
### Additional Flavor Suggestions
– Add chopped celery or red bell pepper to the meat sauce for enhanced flavor.
– Mix in Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of chili flakes for a flavor enhancement.
– Expand the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a drained can of beans.
– Garnish with Parmesan cheese or serve alongside cheddar cheese or sour cream.
## Next Day Goulash
– **Refrigerator**: Leftover goulash can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
– **Freezer**: Freeze cooled portions in zippered bags for as long as 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Cooking Directions
1. In a Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the elbow macaroni, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta becomes tender.
5. Discard the bay leaf. If desired, add cheese on top and reseal with the lid. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese has melted.
## Nutritional Information
– **Serving Size**: 2 cups
– **Calories**: 315
– **Carbohydrates**: 29g
– **Protein**: 17g
– **Fat**: 15g
– **Fiber**: 3g
This simple goulash recipe is not only tasty but also a wonderful way to gather the family for a comforting meal. Savor the rich tastes and the ease of this one-pot creation!
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How to Prepare Pancakes from Scratch at Home
# Everyone is Talking About These Amazingly Fluffy Pancakes!
Pancakes are a cherished breakfast favorite, and it’s easy to see why! This homemade pancake recipe produces wonderfully fluffy pancakes that are light and golden, ideal for slathering with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit. With basic staple ingredients, you can make a batch in no time.
## Reasons You’ll Adore This Homemade Pancake Recipe
– They’re light, **fluffy**, and absolutely delicious.
– This recipe includes **staple ingredients** you probably have available.
– Homemade pancakes are **simple to prepare** and don’t take much more effort than pre-packaged mixes.
– You can easily double or triple the recipe and **freeze them** for speedy weekday breakfasts.
## Ingredient Suggestions
– **All-Purpose Flour:** You can swap ½ cup of all-purpose flour for ½ cup of whole wheat flour, or try using gluten-free flour.
– **Milk:** Any type of milk works, including non-dairy options such as almond milk.
– **Melted Butter:** A touch of fat enhances flavor and promotes browning. You can substitute butter with vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or margarine if needed.
– **Vanilla Extract:** Pure vanilla extract is preferable, but artificial vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even coconut extract can be used for a different taste.
### Topping Ideas
– Nothing beats real syrup and butter on homemade fluffy pancakes!
– Fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are delightful on pancakes… or try all four together with freshly whipped cream.
– Delicious options for toppings include peanut butter, Nutella, jam, or homemade strawberry sauce.
## Steps to Make Pancakes
You’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up this homemade pancake recipe!
1. Whisk the dry ingredients (full recipe below). In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
2. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry and stir just until mixed; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
3. Cook on a griddle or skillet until golden and serve with butter and maple syrup.
To prepare in advance, mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store in a jar. Just add the wet ingredients and mix when ready!
### Expert Tips for Ideal Pancakes
– **Avoid Overmixing:** The batter should be a bit lumpy and pour smoothly. If too thick, add a little milk. If too thin, incorporate a bit of flour to achieve the correct texture.
– **Medium Heat:** Cook on medium heat. While it may take longer, the outcome is superior (a non-stick frying pan is recommended).
– **Add-ins:** For items like blueberries, sliced bananas, or chocolate chips, place them directly on the pancakes in the skillet instead of mixing them into the batter. This prevents burning in the pan.
## Storing & Reheating
**Storing:** Cooked pancakes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and in the freezer for 2 months. Store them in a freezer bag or airtight container (with a piece of parchment in between).
**Toaster:** Pop homemade pancakes directly into the toaster and toast until slightly crisp and warmed through.
**Microwave:** For softer pancakes, warm them in the microwave. Cooking times may vary, but aim for about 20 to 30 seconds per portion.
## More Beloved Breakfast Recipes
Did your family enjoy these Homemade Pancakes? Leave a review and comment below!
### Pancake Recipe
Homemade pancakes are tender, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, making them ideal for topping with syrup, fruit, or butter.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 12
### Ingredients
#### Dry Ingredients
– All-purpose flour
– Sugar
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
#### Wet Ingredients
– Milk
– Eggs
– Melted butter
– Vanilla extract
### Instructions
1. Preheat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat (or to 350°F). Lightly grease with butter or vegetable oil.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the batter until just combined; it should be slightly lumpy.
5. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the heated griddle for each pancake. Cook on one side until bubbles start to form and pop, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.
6. Move the cooked pancakes to a serving plate or a warmed
Tasty and Simple Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
# Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This comforting slow cooker beef stew is filled with succulent beef, robust root vegetables, and a hearty, flavorful broth. No need for browning, just set it and allow the slow cooker to handle everything.
## Flavor Profile
This beef stew boasts a deep brown gravy and is full of vegetables, offering a homestyle taste with little effort.
## Cooking Technique
Though browning the beef is not essential, it can enhance the flavor. If you decide to sear the beef, do it in batches to prevent crowding the pan.
## Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to include additional root vegetables for a heartier meal. If you want to prepare it on the stove, follow a classic beef stew recipe.
## Serving Suggestions
For something different, omit the potatoes in the stew and serve it on top of creamy mashed potatoes.
## Ingredients Tips
– **Beef**: Cubed chuck roast is perfect for its marbling and tenderness. Stewing beef, generally trimmed from various cuts, also works well.
– **Vegetables**: Onions, carrots, and celery provide excellent flavor. Cut them into 1-inch pieces to keep their texture intact during cooking.
– **Potatoes**: Potatoes assist in thickening the broth and make the stew hearty. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold retain their shape better than russets.
– **Broth**: A rich beef broth is crucial. For added complexity, replace a cup of broth with a dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
– **Vegetable Juice**: Vegetable juice boosts flavor without overshadowing the broth. Reduced-sodium versions or Bloody Mary mix can be used as substitutes.
## How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
1. **Prepare the Beef**: Season and optionally brown the beef in a skillet. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. **Cook the Onions**: Sauté onions in the same skillet until soft, then add them to the slow cooker.
3. **Deglaze**: Pour broth or wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned pieces. Pour this into the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (excluding peas).
4. **Cook**: Set the slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-9 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
5. **Thicken**: Mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew, then add peas and heat through.
### Tips for Success
– Instead of cornstarch, you can thicken the stew using potato flakes.
– If you’re pressed for time, add a bag of frozen vegetable medley in the last hour of cooking.
– To avoid vegetables breaking down, refrain from excessive stirring during cooking.
## Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding any extra vegetables you have available.
## Conclusion
This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for cold days. With its deep flavors and tender ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Relish the warmth and contentment of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
Weekly Meal Schedule for September 22, 2025
### About the Author: Holly Nilsson
Holly Nilsson serves as the imaginative mind behind Spend With Pennies, a site committed to providing simple and comforting recipes tailored for everyday cooking. Fueled by a strong love for nostalgic tastes and straightforward cooking methods, Holly empowers busy home chefs to whip up delightful meals that are both enjoyable and feasible.
Her culinary adventures are showcased in her book, “Everyday Comfort,” which seeks to motivate readers to craft hearty, homemade dishes that bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. Holly’s cooking philosophy highlights practicality and accessibility, enabling everyone to savor the joys of home-cooked meals.
For those keen on delving deeper into Holly’s culinary works, additional articles and recipes can be found on her website.
#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)
How to Make Chicken Parmesan from Scratch in Under One Hour
### About the Author: Holly Nilsson
Holly Nilsson is the visionary behind Spend With Pennies, a website committed to delivering simple and comforting recipes tailored for everyday cooking. With a profound love for nostalgic tastes and uncomplicated cooking methods, Holly enables busy home chefs to create tasty meals that are both fulfilling and dependable.
Her culinary adventure is captured in her book, “Everyday Comfort,” which seeks to motivate readers with wholesome, home-cooked dishes that bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. Holly’s cooking philosophy prioritizes accessibility, allowing anyone to whip up delightful meals without the anxiety often linked to cooking.
For those interested in delving deeper into Holly’s culinary creations and perspectives, you can discover her articles on her website.
#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)
Holly Nilsson keeps inspiring home cooks all around with her easy-to-follow recipes and passion for comforting cuisine.
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Easy and Handy Pepper Steak Recipe for Take-Out Style Meals
# Classic Pepper Steak Recipe
This timeless pepper steak recipe brings a beloved takeout dish right to your home! Strips of juicy steak are soaked in a flavorful homemade sauce, then stir-fried alongside sautéed bell peppers and onions.
## Flavor Profile
– **Flavor**: Tender beef in a delicious garlic-soy sauce with a hint of peppery zest.
– **Skill Level**: This meal cooks in a single pan in under 30 minutes. So simple!
– **Budget Tip**: Opt for economical cuts of beef; they turn out tender and succulent.
– **Swaps**: Instead of rice, serve it over ramen noodles, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Accompany it with side dishes like garlic bok choy, asparagus, or Szechuan green beans for extra appeal.
## Ingredient Tips for Pepper Steak
– **Beef**: My preferred cut for this pepper steak is top round, but cost-effective flank steak and top sirloin steak are also excellent choices. Slice the meat against the grain to break down the fibers and aid in tenderizing it.
– **Veggies**: Use green and red bell peppers for a splash of color, but any peppers will work well. Yellow, white, or red onion slices contribute some crunch and taste.
– **Sauce**: Fresh ginger and garlic yield the best flavor. Soy sauce, Worcestershire, and honey provide sweetness to complete the sauce. Mirin, a rice wine, is optional, but enhances the umami flavor beautifully.
## Variations
– Consider adding asparagus, baby corn, snap peas, or sliced carrots.
– Incorporate chili paste or Sriracha for greater heat. Even a dash of black pepper will elevate the flavor.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace half the soy sauce with beef broth.
– Swap out honey for white or brown sugar.
## How to Make Pepper Steak
1. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together (full recipe below).
2. Sauté onion & peppers in a large skillet until soft. Move to a plate.
3. Sear the beef strips and cook until just browned.
4. Return onion & peppers to the skillet along with the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens.
**PRO TIP**: Marinating the beef strips in the sauce (excluding the cornstarch) for up to 24 hours will tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor. After marinating, remove the beef and pour the marinade into a bowl. Then whisk in the cornstarch.
## Leftovers
Keep leftover pepper steak in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in zippered bags or a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in 30-second intervals in the microwave until warmed through.
## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 193
– **Carbohydrates**: 32g
– **Protein**: 3g
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Sodium**: 851mg
– **Potassium**: 261mg
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 23g
This pepper steak recipe offers a scrumptious and quick option to enjoy a classic meal at home. Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion!
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Affordable Comforting Cabbage Soup Recipe
### About the Author: Holly Nilsson
Holly Nilsson is the mastermind behind Spend With Pennies, a site committed to presenting simple and comforting recipes designed for everyday cooking. With a strong passion for cherished flavors and straightforward cooking methods, Holly inspires busy home cooks to create delectable meals that are both attainable and enjoyable. Her philosophy highlights the significance of hearty, homemade food that can be shared with family and friends.
Alongside her contributions to Spend With Pennies, Holly has penned “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook intended to motivate readers with an even broader selection of hearty recipes that inspire warmth and nostalgia. Her cooking philosophy centers on making the culinary experience delightful and hassle-free, so anyone can prepare unforgettable meals without complications.
For those eager to discover more of Holly’s culinary delights, you can explore additional articles and recipes on her website.
#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)
How to Prepare Homemade Applesauce
## Homemade Applesauce: A Simple Autumn Treat
Homemade applesauce is a beloved recipe for making the most of fresh autumn apples. This scrumptious dish consists of a simple mix of apples, sugar, and cinnamon, embodying the spirit of fall in every spoonful.
### Key Advantages of Homemade Applesauce
– **Few Ingredients**: It requires just **3 ingredients** plus a dash of water.
– **All Types of Apples**: You may use **any type of apples** on hand.
– **Adjustable Flavor**: It’s **wholesome and tasty**, enabling you to modify the sugar and spice according to your taste.
– **Freezable**: This recipe **freezes beautifully**, making it an easy snack or dessert, especially when served warm with ice cream.
### Ideal Apples to Use
Nearly any apple variety is suitable for homemade applesauce. Think about blending various kinds like Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Fujis. Sweeter apples will create a sweeter sauce, while tart apples like Granny Smith offer a tangier taste. Modify the sugar based on the sweetness of your apples for an ideal balance.
### Steps for Making Applesauce
1. **Prepare the Apples**: Peel, core, and dice the apples.
2. **Cook the Mixture**: Combine the apples with cinnamon, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time.
3. **Mash or Blend**: Once the apples are soft, mash them with a masher for a chunky consistency or blend until smooth.
Serve your applesauce as a dessert with yogurt, atop vanilla ice cream, or as a side with savory dishes like pork chops.
### Variations to Explore
– Replace water with your favorite juice or apple cider for enhanced flavor.
– Boost with additional spices like pumpkin pie spice or a dash of nutmeg.
– Use a sweetener of your choice instead of sugar, adjusting to your preference.
– For convenience, prepare the applesauce in a slow cooker on low for around 3 hours.
### Storing Leftovers
Homemade applesauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. For extended storage, freeze it in small containers or freezer bags, ideally in one-cup portions, for up to four months.
### Final Thoughts
Homemade applesauce is not only a delightful way to relish autumn apples but also a multipurpose ingredient that can be included in various meals. Whether you savor it as a snack, dessert, or accompaniment, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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