Thursday, 24 October 2024

Host a Christmas Cocktail Party: A Festive Guide to Mixing, Mingling, and Merrymaking

As Christmas approaches, it's the perfect time to bring together friends and family for an evening of festive fun. What better way to celebrate than by hosting a Christmas cocktail-making party? 

Not only does it add an interactive twist to the usual holiday get-together, but it also allows everyone to get involved in creating their own seasonal concoctions. 

If you're ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through a fabulous festive soirée, here’s a guide to planning the perfect Christmas cocktail party.

1. Set the Scene

Transform your home into a winter wonderland by decorating with fairy lights, garlands, and candles. Christmas trees, wreaths, and a bit of tinsel can go a long way in setting a festive mood. A cocktail station or bar cart will be the centrepiece of your gathering, so make it inviting with festive accents like holly, cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary. Consider using cocktail-making equipment such as shakers, strainers, and jiggers as part of the decor—after all, they’ll be put to good use!

2. Craft a Festive Cocktail Menu

To help get everyone in the festive spirit, curate a menu of Christmas-themed cocktails. Include both classic and unique options to cater for different tastes. You could offer some pre-made options for those who want to sip straight away, as well as provide the ingredients and instructions for DIY cocktails that guests can make themselves. Some festive favourites to consider are:

Mulled Wine Martini: A warm take on the classic martini, combining mulled wine, gin, and a splash of orange liqueur.

Spiced Cranberry Margarita: A seasonal twist on the margarita, using cranberry juice, tequila, lime, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Peppermint White Russian: A holiday spin on a creamy classic, with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a dash of peppermint syrup.

Christmas Punch: A big-batch favourite, mixing rum, brandy, cranberry juice, orange slices, and festive spices for an easy, crowd-pleasing option.

If you’re feeling adventurous, challenge your guests to come up with their own cocktails using the ingredients provided!

3. Prepare the Ingredients

Stock your bar with the essentials, including a variety of spirits, mixers, garnishes, and ice. Some festive ingredients to have on hand include:

Spirits: Gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, and brandy.

Mixers: Tonic water, ginger beer, soda water, lemonade, cranberry juice, and apple juice.

Garnishes: Fresh herbs (like rosemary and mint), citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and candy canes.

Other essentials: Ice, cocktail shakers, stirring spoons, measuring jiggers, strainers, and glassware.

To make things more fun, consider setting up themed stations with different base spirits or types of cocktails. For example, you could have a “Gin Corner” with botanicals, tonics, and garnishes, or a “Rum and Tiki” station for tropical Christmas creations.

4. Interactive Cocktail-Making Experience

The heart of your party should be the interactive cocktail-making experience. Encourage guests to become mixologists for the evening! Provide recipe cards or print out instructions for each cocktail option, and let everyone take turns crafting their own drinks. To add some friendly competition, you could organise a cocktail-making contest where guests vote for the best creation. The winner could take home a festive prize, such as a bottle of a seasonal liqueur or a personalised cocktail shaker.

5. Food Pairings

No cocktail party is complete without some delicious nibbles to accompany the drinks. Serve bite-sized appetisers that complement the cocktails on offer. Think about mixing sweet and savoury, such as:

Mini mince pies or Christmas pudding bites.

Cheese and charcuterie boards with festive chutneys and spiced nuts.

Canapés like smoked salmon blinis, stuffed mushrooms, or pigs in blankets.

Chocolate truffles, gingerbread biscuits, and peppermint bark for a sweet finish.

Ensure there are enough snacks to balance the drinks and help soak up some of the alcohol.

6. Music & Entertainment

To keep the festive vibes going, curate a playlist of Christmas classics, from timeless hits like All I Want for Christmas is You to more mellow tunes like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The right music will create an upbeat, joyful atmosphere while guests mingle and mix their cocktails. If you want to go the extra mile, consider organising some festive games or a Secret Santa gift exchange to keep the evening fun and interactive.

7. Consider Your Guests

Not everyone drinks alcohol, so be sure to offer some non-alcoholic options as well. You can easily create mocktail versions of your featured cocktails by substituting spirits with sparkling water, non-alcoholic spirits, or flavoured syrups. Have options like alcohol-free mulled wine or a Christmas mocktail punch to ensure all guests feel included.

8. Capture the Memories

To add a touch of nostalgia, set up a photo station with Christmas props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and festive jumpers. Polaroid cameras or an instant photo printer can help capture the evening’s highlights, and guests can take home a fun memento from the night.

9. End with a Warm Goodbye

Send guests off with a little Christmas gift to remember the evening by, such as a jar of homemade cocktail syrup, a mini bottle of their favourite spirit, or even a personalised cocktail recipe card from the night. It’s a thoughtful way to close the party and ensure everyone leaves with a smile.

Hosting a Christmas cocktail-making party is the perfect way to bring loved ones together in a festive, fun, and interactive setting. Whether you’re shaking up classic holiday drinks or experimenting with new flavours, the experience of creating cocktails together adds a memorable twist to the celebration. So, gather your friends and family, prepare your shakers, and toast to a night of holiday cheer and creative concoctions! Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

How to Design and Print Your Own Christmas Cards

The festive season is the perfect time to add a personal touch to your celebrations, and designing your own Christmas cards is a wonderful way to show loved ones that you’ve put extra thought into your greetings. 

With just a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can make beautiful, custom-made cards that capture the holiday spirit. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design and print your own Christmas cards from scratch.

Step 1: Gather Your Inspiration

Before starting your design, think about the theme you want to convey. Traditional Christmas cards often feature snowflakes, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or nativity scenes, while more modern styles may include abstract patterns, minimalist designs, or humorous illustrations. Browse online for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to tap into your own imagination for something unique!

Step 2: Choose Your Tools

You don’t need to be a professional designer to create a beautiful Christmas card. There are plenty of user-friendly software options available. Here are some popular choices:

Canva: This free online design tool offers plenty of Christmas-themed templates and allows you to easily customise them.

Adobe Express: Another excellent option with pre-made templates, ideal for those with limited design experience.

Procreate or Photoshop: If you’re confident with more advanced software, these tools will give you greater creative control over your designs.

If you prefer a handmade approach, sketch out your design on paper before scanning it in for digital editing.

Step 3: Create Your Design

Once you’ve chosen your design tool, it’s time to get creative! Here are some key elements to consider:

Colour palette: Choose colours that evoke the festive season. Red, green, gold, and white are traditional choices, but don’t hesitate to experiment with more modern hues such as soft pastels or elegant monochromes.

Images and illustrations: Depending on your theme, you could incorporate hand-drawn illustrations, festive icons, or even family photos. Many online tools offer a range of free icons and images to enhance your design.

Fonts: Your choice of typography is crucial. For a traditional look, consider elegant serif fonts. For something more playful, opt for whimsical or handwritten styles.

Message: Personalise your Christmas greeting. A simple “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” is classic, but adding a heartfelt message can make your card stand out even more.

Step 4: Prepare for Printing

Once you’re happy with your design, it’s time to prepare it for printing. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Resolution: Ensure your design is at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) to guarantee high-quality printing.

Size: Standard Christmas card sizes in the UK include A6 (105mm x 148mm), A5 (148mm x 210mm), or square (150mm x 150mm). Make sure your design fits your desired dimensions.

Bleed area: If your design runs to the edge of the card, make sure to add a 3mm bleed area around the edges to avoid white borders after trimming.

Step 5: Print Your Cards

You have two options for printing: doing it at home or using a professional service.

Printing at Home

If you have a decent quality printer, printing at home can be a cost-effective and convenient option. Be sure to use high-quality cardstock—preferably 250gsm or thicker—to give your cards a professional feel. Adjust your printer settings to match the paper type and ensure the colours come out vibrant.

Using a Printing Service

If you don’t have access to a good printer, or you’re planning on printing a large number of cards, consider using an online printing service. 

Many companies offer customisable options where you can upload your design and choose your preferred paper type, finish (matte, gloss, or textured), and quantity. Services like Vistaprint, Snapfish, or even local print shops can handle this for you.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once your cards are printed, don’t forget to add those final touches:

Handwritten notes: A personal note adds warmth and charm to your card.

Envelope selection: Choose envelopes that complement your design. Kraft paper or metallic envelopes can give a lovely contrast.

Stamps: Pick festive stamps to complete the look, as these small details can enhance the overall presentation.

Final Thoughts

Designing and printing your own Christmas cards is a creative and enjoyable project that adds a personal touch to your holiday greetings. Whether you prefer a traditional design or something modern and unique, with a bit of thought and planning, you can create beautiful cards that will delight your friends and family. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you’ve made something special from scratch!

Happy designing and Merry Christmas!

Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes for Christmas: A Healthy Festive Treat for Everyone

Image courtesy Belinda Cave of Pixabay
Christmas is a time for indulgence, and desserts are undoubtedly the highlight of festive meals. 

However, for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, traditional puddings, cakes, and bakes can pose a challenge. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives that are just as delicious. Here, I’m sharing some tried-and-tested gluten-free dessert recipes that are perfect for Christmas.

1. Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

No Christmas would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas pudding. This gluten-free version retains all the traditional flavours but skips the gluten, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

175g gluten-free self-raising flour

100g gluten-free breadcrumbs

250g suet (ensure it's gluten-free)

200g dark brown sugar

250g sultanas

250g currants

50g mixed peel

Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

2 teaspoons ground mixed spice

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 large eggs

200ml brandy (or another spirit of choice)

100ml milk

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, dried fruit, mixed peel, and spices.

Add the eggs, brandy, milk, and citrus zest. Stir until everything is well combined.

Grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture in, covering it with greaseproof paper and a layer of foil.

Steam the pudding for around 5 hours, topping up the water as necessary.

Once cooked, allow it to cool, then store in a cool place until Christmas Day. When ready to serve, steam it again for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter.


2. Gluten-Free Mince Pies

These delightful gluten-free mince pies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with festive spiced mincemeat. A staple at any Christmas gathering!

Ingredients:

200g gluten-free plain flour

100g unsalted butter (chilled)

50g caster sugar

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons cold water

250g gluten-free mincemeat (ensure the brand you use is gluten-free)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the sugar, then add the egg yolk and water to bring the dough together. Knead lightly, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a pastry cutter.

Line a muffin tray with the pastry rounds, fill each with a spoonful of mincemeat, and top with smaller pastry lids.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serve dusted with icing sugar.


3. Gluten-Free Chocolate Yule Log

A Yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert, and this gluten-free version ensures no one misses out. It's rich, chocolatey, and the perfect centrepiece for any Christmas table.

Ingredients:

4 large eggs

100g caster sugar

75g gluten-free plain flour

25g cocoa powder

1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder

300ml double cream

200g dark chocolate (ensure it's gluten-free)

Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a Swiss roll tin.

Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then fold gently until combined.

Pour the mixture into the tin and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy.

While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a sheet of baking paper dusted with icing sugar. Roll it up with the paper inside and allow it to cool.

Whip the double cream and melt the dark chocolate.

Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, spread the cream inside, and roll it up again. Cover the outside with melted chocolate and dust with icing sugar to finish.


4. Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

This sticky toffee pudding is a rich, gooey delight and perfect for a festive dessert that the whole family will love, gluten-free or not!

Ingredients:

175g gluten-free self-raising flour

200g pitted dates

300ml boiling water

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

100g unsalted butter

150g dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

150g dark brown sugar

100g butter

150ml double cream

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a baking dish.

Soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes, then blend to a smooth purée and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then fold in the flour and date mixture.

Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce by gently heating the sugar, butter, and cream until smooth.

Pour the warm toffee sauce over the pudding and serve with cream or ice cream.


5. Gluten-Free Pavlova with Winter Berries

For something a little lighter but equally festive, a gluten-free pavlova with winter berries is a great alternative. Crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy on the inside, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites

250g caster sugar

1 teaspoon cornflour

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

300ml double cream

200g mixed winter berries (e.g., cranberries, redcurrants, and raspberries)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, then gradually add the sugar, beating until glossy.

Fold in the cornflour and vinegar, then spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet in a large circle.

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely.

Whip the cream and spread it over the cooled meringue. Top with fresh winter berries and a dusting of icing sugar.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is all about enjoying time with loved ones and sharing delicious food, and with these gluten-free dessert recipes, no one needs to feel left out. Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas pudding or a decadent Yule log, these recipes are sure to impress, ensuring a festive celebration that’s inclusive and full of flavour.

How to Include Iconic Desserts from Around the World in Your Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is a time of tradition, family, and indulging in delicious treats. 

But why not make this year extra special by adding an international twist to your dessert table? 

From the buttery richness of French pastries to the spiced sweetness of Middle Eastern confections, desserts from around the globe can enhance your Christmas celebrations and provide a wonderful opportunity to experience new flavours. 

Here are some iconic desserts from various parts of the world that you can easily incorporate into your festive spread.

1. France – Bûche de Noël

No Christmas dessert table would be complete without the famous Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log. This traditional French dessert is a sponge cake rolled into a log shape and decorated to look like a real wooden log, complete with bark-like chocolate icing and meringue mushrooms. The cake can be flavoured with chocolate, coffee, or chestnut, making it versatile and indulgent. It is perfect for any Christmas feast and adds a touch of elegance to your celebrations.

2. Italy – Panettone

Panettone is an Italian Christmas staple, known for its fluffy, light texture and sweet, fruity flavour. This dome-shaped bread is traditionally filled with candied fruit and raisins, but modern variations include chocolate chips or a citrus glaze. Serve panettone with a dusting of powdered sugar or toasted and topped with a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream for an extra festive flair. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon treat with coffee.

3. Germany – Stollen

Stollen is Germany's contribution to the world of Christmas desserts. This dense, fruit-filled bread is often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and generously coated in powdered sugar. Some versions of stollen also include marzipan, adding a rich, almond flavour. Stollen keeps well, making it an excellent option for gifting or enjoying throughout the holiday season. Pair it with mulled wine or a cup of tea for a classic Christmas experience.

4. United Kingdom – Christmas Pudding

A traditional British Christmas pudding is a must for anyone looking to embrace a historic dessert. Made with a mix of dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices, this rich and moist pudding is steamed for several hours and often aged for weeks before Christmas. Traditionally, it's served with brandy sauce or custard and flambéed before being brought to the table. Including this time-honoured dessert adds a sense of warmth and tradition to your festive meal.

5. Australia – Pavlova

Pavlova, named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, is a light and airy dessert popular in Australia and New Zealand. A crisp meringue shell filled with soft marshmallow-like meringue, it’s often topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits such as kiwis, strawberries, and passionfruit. Pavlova is a perfect dessert for Christmas celebrations, particularly if you're looking for something light and refreshing after a heavy meal.

6. Spain – Turrón

Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat, commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season. Made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds, this dessert can range from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy, depending on the recipe. Its nutty flavour and rich texture make it an ideal after-dinner sweet, and its long shelf life means it can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. Offering a variety of turrón flavours on your Christmas table will give your guests a unique taste of Spanish Christmas traditions.

7. Middle East – Baklava

Baklava, with its layers of flaky phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and sticky-sweet syrup or honey, is a beloved dessert in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Greece. Its rich sweetness and crunchy texture make it an excellent addition to any dessert spread. The warm flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and rose water in baklava also feel right at home during the Christmas season, complementing the other spiced treats on your table.

8. Sweden – Lussekatter

Lussekatter, or saffron buns, are traditionally baked in Sweden during Advent and St. Lucia's Day in December. These golden, sweet buns are flavoured with saffron and raisins, giving them a distinct, slightly floral taste. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cosy, comforting treat that brings a bit of Scandinavian charm to your Christmas festivities.

9. Japan – Christmas Cake

In Japan, Christmas cake is a light, fluffy sponge cake filled with fresh whipped cream and decorated with strawberries. This simple yet delightful dessert is often enjoyed on Christmas Eve, making it a festive and refreshing end to the day. Its bright red and white colours fit perfectly with the season’s theme, and its delicate sweetness is a great option for those looking for a lighter dessert.

10. Mexico – Buñuelos

Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican treat enjoyed during Christmas and New Year celebrations. These crispy, fried dough discs are coated with cinnamon sugar or drenched in syrup, making them both sweet and crunchy. They are typically enjoyed with a hot cup of atole or Mexican hot chocolate. Adding buñuelos to your Christmas dessert spread will bring a festive and comforting flavour to your holiday gatherings.

Tips for Incorporating International Desserts into Your Celebration:

Pair with Local Traditions: Balance out your dessert table by pairing these international treats with your own traditional Christmas desserts, such as mince pies or gingerbread. This way, you can honour local traditions while introducing new flavours.

Serve Smaller Portions: Since many of these desserts are quite rich, serve smaller portions so your guests can sample a variety of flavours without feeling too full.

Cultural Decorations: Consider decorating your table with elements from the country of each dessert to enhance the experience. For example, use Mediterranean herbs and spices for baklava, or a red and white colour scheme to accompany a Japanese Christmas cake.

Customised Gift Boxes: Package some of these desserts into gift boxes for your guests to take home. Stollen, turrón, or panettone make perfect edible gifts and add a personal touch to your celebrations.

By including these iconic desserts from around the world, you can make your Christmas celebration an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether you stick to traditional favourites or experiment with new flavours, these treats will add a delightful twist to your holiday festivities.

Traditional Christmas and New Year's Celebrations in Scotland

This is an update to our series of looking at the different ways Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world.

Scotland has a rich history of festive celebrations during Christmas and New Year, shaped by centuries of tradition, culture, and the country’s unique relationship with these holidays. 

While Christmas was not always widely celebrated due to historical religious differences, New Year's, known as Hogmanay, has always been a grand occasion in Scotland. 

Today, both holidays are joyfully marked across the country, with each bringing its own customs and charm.


Christmas in Scotland

For a long time, Christmas wasn’t widely celebrated in Scotland. The holiday was effectively banned after the Reformation in 1560, when the Protestant Church frowned upon its religious and Roman Catholic origins. It wasn’t until 1958 that Christmas Day became a public holiday in Scotland, much later than in the rest of the UK. Despite its slow start, Christmas is now embraced with full festive spirit, and many Scottish homes today are filled with lights, decorations, and the joy of family gatherings.

Scottish Christmas Traditions

Decorations: Like the rest of the UK, homes are adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights. However, some households add a Scottish twist by incorporating tartan ribbons, Scottish thistles, or even stag antlers into their decorations.

Food: A traditional Scottish Christmas dinner often features roast turkey or goose, served with all the trimmings like potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Scottish delicacies such as "clootie dumpling" (a rich fruit pudding) or shortbread biscuits are also popular additions. For drinks, whisky or a glass of "Atholl Brose," a blend of whisky, honey, cream, and oatmeal, might be enjoyed.

Gifts and Festivities: Like in other parts of the world, Christmas morning is for exchanging gifts. Many Scottish families attend church services to celebrate the religious aspect of the day before gathering for a hearty meal. Carolling and attending Christmas markets, where Scottish crafts and foods are sold, are also part of the festivities.

Hogmanay: Scotland's Legendary New Year’s Celebration

If there’s one celebration that Scotland is truly famous for, it’s Hogmanay. While Christmas may have taken time to catch on, Hogmanay has long been a major event, deeply rooted in both Viking and Celtic traditions. Its origins are believed to be a combination of ancient Norse winter solstice celebrations and the Gaelic festival of Samhain.

Hogmanay Traditions

First-Footing: One of the most iconic Hogmanay traditions is "first-footing," where the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight brings luck for the coming year. Traditionally, this person should be a tall, dark-haired man (reflecting a time when fair-haired Viking invaders were less welcome!). The first-footer often brings symbolic gifts like whisky, coal, shortbread, or black bun (a type of fruit cake), each representing warmth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Fire Festivals: Fire has always been a central element of Hogmanay, representing both purification and the chasing away of evil spirits. In many towns, this is reflected in grand firework displays, torchlight processions, and bonfires. One of the most famous is the Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony, where participants swing blazing fireballs around their heads as they march through the streets. It’s a thrilling and ancient spectacle that symbolises burning away the old year to welcome the new.

Auld Lang Syne: No Scottish New Year's celebration is complete without singing "Auld Lang Syne," the world-famous song penned by Robert Burns. At the stroke of midnight, Scots gather in circles, linking arms and singing this nostalgic anthem about friendship and the passage of time. This tradition has now spread worldwide, but its roots remain deeply Scottish.

Hogmanay Street Parties

Hogmanay is also famous for its grand street parties, especially in Edinburgh. The city’s Hogmanay celebrations are among the largest in the world, drawing crowds from all corners of the globe. The festivities include a massive street party along Princes Street, featuring live music, fireworks, and plenty of dancing. The party often extends well into the early hours of New Year's Day, with the atmosphere brimming with excitement and revelry.

The Loony Dook

For those brave enough, New Year’s Day offers the chance to participate in the Loony Dook, a refreshing (some might say freezing!) dip into the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. This quirky tradition, which started in the 1980s, sees participants, often in fancy dress, plunging into the cold waters to shake off the cobwebs of Hogmanay and start the year with a literal splash.

Scotland’s festive season is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, modern celebrations, and a deep sense of community and joy. 

Whether it's the cosy warmth of a family Christmas or the exuberant revelry of Hogmanay, there’s something magical about how the Scots welcome this special time of year. The glow of firelight, the sound of bagpipes, and the laughter of friends and family make the Scottish festive season one of the most memorable and beloved anywhere in the world.

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