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Easiest Walnut Banana Bread | Vegan + Gluten-Free

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When the aroma of ripe nana’s starts to creep out from the kitchen, that’s when you know it’s time to transform those yellow thangs into everyone’s favourite type of bread…Walnut Banana Bread!

My goal for this banana bread was to go from a bowl of spotty bananas to a delicious bread as easy and quickly as possible.

Eat it for breakfast.

Pack it for lunch.

Warm it up for dessert.

Sometimes life calls for a cup’ o’ tea and a loaf of ‘nana bread.

So, when it can be pretty dang healthy for you, I’d consider that a life WINNING situation.

I’ll stop talking now. Make this and devour!

Walnut Banana Bread | Vegan | Gluten-Free
 
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Possibly the easiest banana bread you'll ever make with incredible dense deliciousness!
Author:
Recipe type: dessert, snack
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 4 bananas
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ⅛ cup coconut oil
  • 2 chia eggs (2 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 6 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes)

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 3 cups oats, gluten free if needed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of sea salt
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips (optional, but why wouldn't ya?)

  • Topping:
  • 1 banana, halved lengthwise
  • 6-8 walnuts
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F
  2. Line your loaf baking dish with parchment paper.
  3. First, blend your oats into a flour, then pour into a big bowl.
  4. Add the rest of the dry ingredients to the oat flour and stir until combined.
  5. Put all wet ingredients in your blender, blend until smooth.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.
  7. Pour the mixture into your loaf pan (either a medium sized one or 2 small ones). Fill it up almost all the way to the top.
  8. Place the halved banana on top with a few walnuts.
  9. Bake for 50 minutes.
  10. Let cool a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
  11. Enjoy! (Maybe with some of this jam!)
  12. To store, put it back into the loaf pan and cover it with tinfoil, or reusable vegan wax wrap (not affiliated, but can't stop using these!)

Tag me if you make this! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I love seeing your recipes.

… and if you want more plants in your life:

Sign up for the Mostly Plants 28 day Program to kick start 2019!

All the info is here!

Date Caramel Candy Apples

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Ringin’ in the New Year with some festive sweet treats that you can feel great about treatin’ on. This recipe is a nice way to ease into the healthy resolutions you might have after indulging in all of the Holiday goodness.

You see, these treats are a trick.

They look indulgent. They taste indulgent. They aren’t indulgent. But don’t tell your taste buds that.

The base of these are made from whole foods! Of course, topping them off with things like sprinkles or chocolate chips will take them to the level of indulgence that you may have been experiencing over the holidays. You don’t have to go that far though. You could even stop at the date caramel layer and call it a super delicious day!

Layer 1: The powerhouse of nutrition that you know well, the apple.

Layer 2: Caramel made from the delicious date. Nothing more (except vanilla and a bit of sea salt, that is). A whole food sweetener at it’s finest, still packed with all the fibre a fruit should have, plus minerals and vitamins from that glorious date.

Layer 3: Your choice. Loved the popcorn layer. You could throw in some coconut ribbons, raisins, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, pecans…. or go for gold and roll it in some vegan chocolate chips.

See? Healthy! But, totally indulgent looking and delicious tasting.

The kids will love it, and so will your ‘new year, new you’ YOU.

Date Caramel Candy Apples
 
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Date Caramel candy apples to make your taste buds sing, and your waist line happy! A great festive way to ring in 2019 and ease out of the totally indulgent experience of the holidays.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert, Snack
Serves: 3
Ingredients
  • 15 dates, pitted and soaked 10 minutes in warm water, then strained
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt
  • about a ¼ or a bit more of coconut milk (add a bit at a time, just enough for the caramel consistency)
  • 3 apples
Instructions
  1. Blend dates, vanilla, salt and water in a mini food processor or small blender until a smooth paste forms.
  2. Stick a wooden skewer into the bottom of a couple apples (I like honey crisp!).
  3. With a spatula, spread the date caramel evenly over each whole apple.
  4. Roll it in your choice of toppings! I used Nooch Pop sweet + savoury popcorn + coconut ribbons for one, and vegan chocolate chips for the other).
  5. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes to let firm up slightly (it will still be gooey delicious).
  6. Enjoy!

Tag me if you make this! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I love seeing your recipes.

… and if you want more plants in your life:

Sign up for the Mostly Plants 28 day Program to kick start 2019! It’s just $5 until Jan. 6th.

All the info is here!

Top 12 Vegan Recipes of 2018

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It’s almost 2019!

Which means, second to the top vegan recipes of 2018… you may be looking back on the ebbs and flows of the last year…your successes, your learning experiences, your highlights, your epiphanies… Life is full of change and it is truly a game if you learn to accept that.

Never take things too personally to too seriously… Live with acceptance that you don’t know all the answers… Give that direction you’re weirdly pulled to a chance… Put time into the passions you know you have, and if you haven’t found your passion, then be patient, have an open mind, and follow your gut…

Do things that make you happy and be with people who bring you up to be your best you.

Whew, where did that come from!?

Pretty much, life is ever-changing, you are ever-growing. Annnnnd, without getting too deep and rambly, let’s bring it back to the light vibe of this blog and get into the most popular recipes of 2018!

12 days of Christmas… or top 12 fricken awesome vegan recipes of always and forever?!

2nd, please.

Vegan Omelette + Hollandaise Sauce

Vegan Egg Nog ~ Whole Food Creaminess

Sweet Potato Toasts

BBQ’d Cheezy Sweet Potato Perogies

Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip

Grateful Fred Stuffed Tofu Turkey  ~ Holiday Main

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Curry Tahini Sauce ~ Holiday Main

Maple Dijon Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash ~ Holiday Main

Hemp Pesto Pasta Salad

Carrot Cake ~ oil-free

Sachertorte ~ dense chocolate cake

Chewy Chickpea Coconut Cluster Cookies

There you have it! Lots to choose from here, and more through out the site.

There’s something for everything when you eat plant-based.

It’s definitely NOT just carrot sticks and lettuce, but an abundance of textures, colours, flavours, concoctions and delicious tastes.

Tag me if you make any of these! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I LOVE seeing your recipes.

… and if you want more:

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

 

Try the #PlantsForAWeek challenge by grabbing my brand new E-Book!

On sale until Dec. 24!

Hello Christmas presents and Veganuary!

Energizing Orange Pecan Mushroom Vegan Fudge

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The other day I was flippin’ through my fave mag (Veg News) and luckily came across a drool-effect vegan fudge recipe by Jackie Sobon (Vegan Yack Attack). I say ‘luckily’ because… now you get to bask in the introduction to this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. I switched it up a bit to create what is seen here: Vegan Orange Pecan Chocolate Mushroom Fudge. It’s a mouthful…of AMAZINGNESS!!!

You can even benefit from eating this delicious dessert-y concoction.

I amped up her fudge recipe by adding in some Four Sigmatic goodness. A packet of Adaptogenic Coffee, and a packet of Cordyceps Mushroom Coffee gives this dessert even more of  a reason to devour it.

Adaptogenic herbs are incredible. They help balance everything out in your body, or in other words, they bring you back to homeostasis.

In today’s case, I’m talking about ashwaganda (anti-inflammatory, plus anxiety + stress + blood sugar + cortisol reduction), tulsi/holy basil (for hormone balance, stress and acne reduction), and Siberian ginseng (for stamina, endurance, and overall wellbeing).

They’re like that comforting Grandma, who brings you back down to earth when craziness hits the fan. If your adrenals are wired, they’ll help slow them down. If you’re immune system is out of wack, they’ll strengthen it up. If your mood swings are as steep as the Eiffel Tower, they’ll do their best to calm them back down to the flat-ness of the Saskatchewan plains kind of level.And mushrooms. There’s so much research coming out about the mushroom kingdom. They’re antioxidant powerhouses with immune system boosting powers. Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga…. they’re each good for something different, and something amazing. Whether you want more focus, more energy, less anxiety or more immunity, they’ve got you. Today we’re adding Cordyceps to the mix to make this fudge super energizing.

Not only does this fudge bring the adaptogens and mushrooms… but it shines for what it doesn’t have.

No dairy. No cream. No butter. No milk.

Yet, it’s still incredibly decadent, creamy, fudge-y and mouth-wateringly heavenly.

Orange Pecan Mushroom Fudge - Adapted from Vegan Yack Attack
 
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A vegan, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with adaptogens, coffee & mushrooms! An energizing and delicious gift for the holidays, to your loved ones... or yourself!!
Author:
Recipe type: dessert, holidays
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Lightly greece an 8 x 8 baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
  2. Fill medium sized pot with 2-3 inches of water, and warm it up over medium heat.
  3. Create a double boiler by placing a steel or glass bowl over the pot.
  4. Add chocolate chips, coconut milk, maple syrup, butter and orange extract.
  5. Whisk occasionally until smooth (about 5-8 minutes)
  6. Add the Four Sigmatic packets, whisk until smooth.
  7. Remove the bowl from the heat and fold in ½ cup cranberries, ½ cup pecans, 1 tbsp orange zest.
  8. Pour fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish (spread evenly)
  9. Sprinkle the toppings on there (1/24 cup each of cranberries and pecans, 1 tbsp orange zest, sea salt)
  10. Place in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
  11. Chop it up and enjoy (place chunks in mason jars for an amazing Christmas present)

If you make this tag: @hookedonplants @vegnews @veganyackattack on instagram so we can see!

… and if you want more:

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

Try the #PlantsForAWeek challenge by grabbing my brand new E-Book!

The Ultimate Whistler Vegan Dining Guide

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Looking for vegan goodness in Whistler?

This vegan dining guide features my favourite dishes throughout Whistler.

I’ll keep adding to this, so check back for updates!

It’s ordered from breakfast-y spots at the top to lunch and dinner spots as you scroll!

The green ones are must-tries…

The Green Moustache (breakfast & lunch) ~ Village and Function Junction

Whistler’s only 100% vegan cafe with juice, smoothies, salads, bowls, amazing desserts, and soups of the day. Nicolette Richer, the creator of Green Mo, is one inspiring woman! She specializes in disease prevention with her patients through the Gerson Therapy, and it shows through her healing foods in the ever growing Green Mo. The original space is in Marketplace, and now there’s one in Function Junction too, so you can grab some healthy treats for the road trip back to Van.

What to order:

Everything!

  • Collard green wrap
  • Buddha bowl
  • Healing Kitchari
  • Any of their raw desserts

The Naked Sprout (breakfast & lunch) ~ Village

The majority of the food from Naked Sprout is vegan, and the vibes are high. Just being in the presence of the creator, Shandy Rae, makes you feel more energized! This is a great spot to grab some health in the form of a juice, smoothie, salad or bowl, and be on your way.

What to order:

  • Any juice or smoothie, or a Solfeggio dessert (by Olympian, Kristi Richards)
  • The Ramen Bowl (sub avo for the egg)
  • Miso Quinoa Bowl

Hunter Gather (Lunch & Dinner) ~ Village

Created by Whistler Cooks, this casual dining restaurant is airy, easy for big groups and delicious, with a focus on local food, craft beer and VQA wines…plus they have a whole part of the menu dedicated to veggie lovers 🙂

What to order:

  • Thoughtful Falafal Wrap (with hummus instead of the garlic sauce)
  • Pemberton Bowl: local beets, dried fruit, crisped organic vegetables, fresh herbs, chickpeas, sprouted legumes and miso chili vinaigrette
  • Lentil Burger: with coriander mango chutney, house pickles, on a Portuguese bun or greens

  • Harmony Bowl: tamarind miso broth, lotsa veggies, shiitake mushrooms, house seasoning, rice noodles

 

Fifi’s Bistro (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Cuteness overload. The space (that opened for biz in August) is beautifully decorated by the owners Kara and Max. They’re open for dinner on Friday’s and Saturdays, and are well-known for their yummy food, big portions and breakfast platters.

What to order:

  • Vegan Breakfast Platter for 2 (or Vegan Breaky for 1): a smorgasbord of falafel, hummus, sautéed spinach, warm olives and tomatoes, beans, berry chia pudding, sourdough, avo, spring salad and potatoes.
  • Smoothies: tropical mango pineapple, banana coconut, or peanut butter oat date smoothies
  • Avocado Bruschetta with pea shoots and chili salt

Ingrid’s Cafe (breakfast & lunch) ~ Village

The grab & go spot in the heart of the village.

What to order:

  • Garden Burger (ask to veganize it with no cheese)
  • Fantastic Falafal Burger with cous cous (sub the tzatziki for hummus)

Raven’s Nest (Breakfast, Lunch, Apres) ~ Whistler Mountain

The place for vegetarian grub on the hill! A veggie meal with a wicked view.

What to order:

  • Most things!
  • Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich
  • Vegan Sub
  • Vegan Chocolate Cake
  • Superfood Salad

PureBread Bakery  (coffee & snacks) ~ Village and Function Junction

Known for the amazing aroma, to-die-for treats and one of a kind breads! Paula and Mark started Purebread in Function Junction, and once people caught on to their delicious breads, they expanded to the Village and now Vancouver. Walking into Purebread with their simple and beautiful decor just makes you feel so… good!

 What to order:

  • Bread!! Seriously Seedy, Rustic Sourdough, Buckwheat Sour Cherry Pecan, Dinkel
  • The Pure Bar (omg)
  • Vegan Scones of the day
  • Banana Loaf
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip cookies

HandleBar Aprés (Lunch, Aprés, Dinner) ~ Upper Village

A local favourite! Nestled in the upper village, this hot aprés spot was created by locals and features craft beer, delicious aprés and really good vibes.

 What to order:

  • Cauliflower wings without ranch dip
  • Deep-Fried Pickles
  • Fried Brussel Sprouts  without parm
  • Vegan Sausage!

Stonesedge Kitchen (brunch & dinner) ~ Village

Brunch hour or cocktail hour… this place has good vibes and yummy grub too.

What to order:

  • Granola bowl: maple toasted oats, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, toasted almonds with blueberry chia seeds, coconut yoghurt, strawberry, banana, waffle cone
  • Vege Toast without the egg
  • Grilled carrots with cashew cream
  • Vegan Burger: black bean quinoa and mushroom patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, Gibbons après lager bbq sauce on multigrain bun
  • Spanky’s Bowl: quinoa, sweet potato, spinach, grilled red pepper, carrot, curry cauliflower, crispy chick peas and curry cashew sauce

Harajuku Izakaya (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

“Izakayas” are informal Japanese gastropubs popular throughout Japan known for quick, tapas-style food. Chef Yutaka Shishido has brought it to Whistler and knows how to whip up some vegan goodness!  Harajuku’s interior is inspired by a Japanese village in the early 1900s for romance and booths for birthdays.

What to order:

  • Appies: Spinach Gommae, Fried Brussels, Agadashi Tofu
  • The Green Bowl: fried rice + veggies
  • Rock n’ Roll Roll (so good!): tempura yam, avocado, cucumber, carrot, beets, Shiitake, soba noodle
  • Avocado Osho Sushi (minus the mayo): like vegan nigiri!
  • Creamy Vegan Ramen Bowl (one of the best Ramen bowls around!) : creamy veggie broth, shiitake, corn, rape blossom, bean sprouts, onion chips, garlic oil, kale noodles

Splitz Grill (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This long-time Whistler burger joint has a great vegan burger!

What to order:

  • Lentil Burger with Babaganoush (maybe with a grilled pineapple and some breaded pickles ?!) 

Aura & The Cure & The Fix at Nita Lake Lodge (breakfast & lunch & dinner) ~ Creekside

A beautiful spot right on the lake that has MEATLESS MONDAYS (Yesssss). The head chef, James, is vegan and so creative (found that out from the incredible food he created for my bridal shower!). Go try their 3-course vegan meal on Mondays at Aura. Otherwise, hang at the Cure and eat some of their vegan options, all while listening to my friend and favourite DJ, Rob Cutler aka DJ-Surgeon playing chill tunes on Friday eves, alternating with local pro photographer Eric Berger aka DJ Smokey!

What to order:

  • The Fix: the spot for juice and smoothies in creekside!
  • The Cure: Aprés spot that starts anything off with popcorn (my fave). Veggie burger!
  • Aura: Meatless Monday 3 course vegan goodness

Dusty’s Bar & Grill: Bar & Grill (lunch, aprés, dinner) ~ Creekside

One of Whistler’s original aprés spots with history on the walls and good old school vibes!

What to order:

  • Vegan Wings !
  • The Creekside Power Salad (minus the feta)
  • The Ultimate Veggie Platter (extra hummus, no ranch)

Pizzeria Antico (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

Their pizza dough!!! So good. They have such a hot pizza oven that a pizza takes just 90 seconds. Cool atmosphere in here too, and their back section is great for birthday group resos.

What to order:

  • Insalata di Funghi without ‘burrata’ cheese: butter lettuce, radicchio, microgreens, raw mushrooms, oven-dried tomato, with a truffle lemon dressing (love this dressing)
  • Ortolana Pizza (replace the cheese with avocado and I like adding artichokes!): Tomato base, roasted veggies and basil

La Cantina (lunch & dinner) ~ Nesters Market and Village

The sister restaurant to Pepe’s Mexican Corner, in a quicker, more casual style. These taco/burrito spots (in the Village and by Nesters) have added more delicious vegan-ness to the menu since this summer.

What to order:

  • Luchador Salad (switch out the honey-based dressing)
  • Jackfruit Picadillo (with potatoes, carrots, celery) Tacos or Burrito or Bowl minus the feta or sour cream (my fave)
  • Portobello Tamarind Tacos or Burrito
  • Tofu (with nutritional yeast, tomatoes, celery) Tacos or Burrito minus sour cream/feta
  • Mestizo Rice + Black Beans with avocado sauce Tacos or Burrito or Bowl minus sour cream/feta

The Mexican Corner (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

Pepe created the awesome mexican vibe by bringing decor from his hometown in Mexico, up to his new Whistler hometown. Step into Mexico and enjoy their veg options!

What to order:

  • Vegan Chorizo Tacos
  • Ensalata Di Frijoles
  • Flautas (crispy potato tacos), minus the feta and sour cream
  • Tortilla Soup, minus the feta and sour cream

 

Creekbread (dinner) ~ Creekside

They’re into local, organic ingredients, and know their pizza. Thin crust, flavourful, and the oven smack dab in the middle of the restaurant. Cool vibes.

What to order:

  • No Boundaries Salad with all the veggies and no cheese (so good with potatoes and seaweed!)
  • The Vegan Pizza (I go for extra caramelized onions and roasted red peppers)

Misty Mountain Pizza (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This place has been around for a coon’s age! Annnnd it has vegan cheese (applause!!).

What to order:

  • Any veggie pizza with vegan cheese instead! I love the West Coast Veggie

Tandoori Grill (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

This Indian restaurant has a full-on vegan/vegetarian section on the menu! There’s 6 completely vegan items, and a whole lot more that you can easily make vegan. Plus, the Roti is vegan too. Just be warned… level 5 on the spice-o-meter is super sizzzzzlin’.

What to order:

  • Papadom (lentil wafer) instead of naan (which isn’t vegan)
  • Channa Masala ~ chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, fresh ginger, onions & exotic spices
  • Aloo Gobhi ~ cauliflower and potatoes cooked with onions, tomatoes & exotic spices
  • Palak Aloo ~ chopped spinach cooked with potatoes, onions, tomatoes & exotic spices
  • Eggplant Bharta ~ eggplants roasted over charcoal, mashed with onions, tomatoes & paprika

Alta Bistro (dinner) ~Village

Run by Whistler local, Eric Griffith, this good-vibe, casual, yet fine dining restaurant puts emphasis local, seasonal and organic ingredients. There are a few amazing vegan dishes on his dinner menu!

What to order:

  • Slow cooked celeriac & apple soup with garam masala popcorn
  • Crispy Brioche & Mushroom Walnut Paté
  • Vegan Portobello Burger with a delicious house-made coconut bun
  • Peaches & Cashew Cream Cheezecake with bbq’d amaretto peach, toasted almonds, oat granola and basil

Earl’s (Brunch, Lunch, Dinner) ~ Village

This chain just added a full vegan menu, with 7 entrées !!

Table Nineteen Lakeside Eatery (Lunch, Dinner) ~ Nicklaus North

A beautiful patio with a view of green lake in the summer, with a cozy vibe in the winter.

What to order:

  • The Beyond Burger!!! Pick any burger toppings on the menu, and replace the meat patty with the Beyond patty. The only restaurant in Whistler that serves Beyond Meat!

Garibaldi Lift Co (Lunch, Aprés Ski, Dinner) ~ Village

The spot for a good dance at night, good aprés in the afternoon, and a nice sit-down lunch to avoid crowds during a ski day.

What to order:

  • Vegan Tempeh Burger without mayo
  • Vegan Caeser Salad (add tempeh!)
  • Vegan Poke Bowl !!! With the sought after Ahimi poké from Ocean Hugger Foods (made from tomato!)

Mongolie Grill (lunch & dinner) ~ Village

A fun place to go with a group. It’s super interactive while you go up to make your own mega-stirfry bowl, and watch the chefs whip it up right in front of you. If you’re not into eating off the same surface that meat was just cooked on, this may not be the place for you. But, it’s a fun way to get in a ton of veg!

What to order:

  • Load up your bowl with every veggie, douse on some of their vegan sauce options, and enjoy with the rice or rice paper wraps they bring to your table!

RimRock Cafe (dinner) ~ Creekside

A rustic, fine dining experience. One of Whistler’s original restaurants, nestled in the woods of Whistler Mountain. This place isn’t known for their vegan food (they’re more about the seafood and meat dishes), but they have some great vegan options – especially if you know what to ask for! The ambiance in here is so lovely, and perfect for a special occasion.

What to order:

  • Mushroom Salad with sesame vinaigrette and crispy onions (SO good)
  • Grilled Vegetable Mushroom Risotto
  • Vegan Chickpea Curry with Cauliflower Steak (ask for this – not be on the main menu!)

Olives Community Market (grocery, breakfast, lunch) ~ Function Junction

A cute, organic grocery store packed with vegan goodies, grab & go lunches, a salad bar, and smoothies.

What to order:

  • See what’s in the fridge for lunch, and what the soup of the day is! Most likely it’s vegan, nutritious and delicious.
  • Their desserts, smoothies, lattés, and a big salad from the salad bar

 

If you want to eat in, Whistler Dine In delivers most of these delicous meals!

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