New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts Recipe

After spending a delightful afternoon in the kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my home, a comforting prelude to the festive season. These New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts weren’t just a recipe I stumbled upon; they became a heartwarming experience. The delicate sweetness of the apples, perfectly nestled in flaky puff pastry, was an instant hit with my family. Even my youngest, usually a picky eater, couldn’t resist the charming rose shape and the delicious taste. They are surprisingly easy to make, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that’s both beautiful and utterly satisfying. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen, these mini tarts are your answer. They’re perfect for a cozy winter brunch, a festive New Year’s Eve gathering, or simply a sweet treat to brighten up a chilly day.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture of these delightful treats. Let’s delve into each ingredient, exploring why they are essential and offering some helpful tips for choosing the best quality.

• 2 Large Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Apples are the heart and soul of these mini tarts, providing both flavor and visual appeal. The recipe suggests Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and for good reason.
  • Granny Smith Apples: Known for their vibrant green skin and tart, slightly acidic flavor, Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully during baking. Their firmness prevents them from becoming mushy, ensuring each apple rose petal retains its delicate form. The tartness also provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, creating a balanced flavor profile that isn’t overly sweet. If you prefer a slightly tangy tart, Granny Smith is the ideal choice.
  • Honeycrisp Apples: These apples are renowned for their crispness and juicy texture, along with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. Honeycrisp apples are less tart than Granny Smith but still offer a pleasant tang that complements the sweetness of the dessert. They also maintain their shape well during baking, though they might soften slightly more than Granny Smiths. The natural sweetness of Honeycrisp can reduce the need for excessive added sugar, making them a slightly healthier option if you are mindful of sugar intake.
  • Other Apple Options: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are highly recommended, you can also experiment with other apple varieties depending on your preference and availability.
    • Fuji Apples: These are sweet and crisp, offering a milder flavor. They will soften a bit more during baking but still hold up reasonably well. Their sweetness might require you to slightly reduce the amount of sugar added to the apples.
    • Pink Lady Apples: These apples have a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a crisp texture. They are a good all-purpose apple and work well in baking, retaining their shape and flavor.
    • Braeburn Apples: Braeburns offer a complex flavor profile with notes of spice and pear, along with a good balance of sweet and tart. They hold their shape well and provide a unique depth of flavor to the tarts.
  • Choosing the Right Apples: When selecting apples, look for firm, unblemished fruit. Avoid apples that are bruised or soft, as these might not hold their shape well during baking and could affect the overall texture of your tarts. Fresh, crisp apples are key to achieving the best results. For visual appeal, consider using apples with vibrant skin colors, as this will enhance the beauty of the rose shapes.
• 1 Sheet of Puff Pastry, Thawed: Puff pastry is the magic ingredient that provides the flaky, buttery base for our apple roses. Its delicate layers create a wonderful contrast to the soft, cooked apples.
  • Quality of Puff Pastry: The quality of your puff pastry significantly impacts the final result. Opt for an all-butter puff pastry if possible, as it yields the richest flavor and the most delicate, flaky texture. While all-butter puff pastry might be slightly more expensive, the difference in taste and texture is well worth it, especially for a special occasion dessert like New Year tarts. If you are using a regular puff pastry made with vegetable shortening, ensure it’s a good quality brand.
  • Thawing Puff Pastry: Proper thawing is crucial for working with puff pastry. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Avoid thawing it at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause the pastry to become too soft and sticky, making it difficult to handle. The pastry should be thawed but still cold to the touch. If it becomes too warm, it will be harder to roll out and cut into strips.
  • Homemade Puff Pastry (Optional): For the truly ambitious baker, homemade puff pastry is an option. However, it is a time-consuming and technically challenging process. While homemade puff pastry can be incredibly rewarding, store-bought puff pastry is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative for this recipe, especially for beginner bakers.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a vital ingredient for preventing the apple slices from browning and adding a touch of brightness to the overall flavor.
  • Why Lemon Juice? Apples, like many fruits, oxidize when exposed to air, causing them to turn brown. Lemon juice, being acidic, slows down this oxidation process, keeping the apple slices looking fresh and appealing. Beyond preventing browning, lemon juice enhances the flavor of the apples, adding a subtle tartness that complements the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. It also helps to balance the overall flavor profile of the tarts.
  • Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its brighter, more vibrant flavor. However, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient alternative. If using bottled juice, ensure it is pure lemon juice and not a lemon juice concentrate with added preservatives or flavors.
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the quintessential spice for apple desserts, adding warmth, depth, and a comforting aroma.
  • Types of Cinnamon: There are different types of cinnamon, with Ceylon cinnamon (also known as “true cinnamon”) and Cassia cinnamon being the most common. Cassia cinnamon is what is typically found in supermarkets and has a stronger, spicier flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is milder and sweeter, with more delicate notes. For this recipe, either type of cinnamon will work well. If you prefer a bolder cinnamon flavor, use Cassia. If you prefer a more subtle, delicate cinnamon flavor, opt for Ceylon.
  • Freshly Ground Cinnamon (Optional): For the most intense flavor, consider using freshly ground cinnamon. You can buy cinnamon sticks and grind them yourself using a spice grinder or a microplane. Freshly ground spices have a more potent aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground spices.
• 1/4 Cup Sugar: Sugar provides sweetness and helps to tenderize the apple slices during the simmering process.
  • Types of Sugar: Granulated sugar is typically used in this recipe. You can also use caster sugar, which is finer than granulated sugar and dissolves more easily. For a slightly richer flavor, you could experiment with light brown sugar, which will add a hint of molasses. However, using brown sugar will slightly alter the color and flavor profile of the tarts, making them a bit darker and with a more caramel-like note.
  • Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the type of apples you are using and your personal preference for sweetness. If using very sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly. If using tarter apples like Granny Smith, the amount of sugar in the recipe is usually just right to balance the tartness.
• 1/4 Cup Water: Water is used to simmer the apple slices, softening them slightly and making them more pliable for shaping into roses.
  • Purpose of Simmering: Simmering the apple slices in water with sugar and cinnamon helps to pre-cook them slightly. This makes them softer and easier to bend and shape into rose petals without breaking. It also infuses them with the cinnamon and sugar flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the tarts. Without this step, the apple slices might be too stiff and difficult to work with, and they might not cook through evenly during baking.
• Powdered Sugar for Dusting (Optional): Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is used for dusting the finished tarts, adding a touch of sweetness and visual elegance.
  • Why Powdered Sugar? Powdered sugar provides a delicate sweetness and a beautiful snowy white dusting that contrasts nicely with the golden brown tarts and the red apple roses. It adds a final touch of refinement to the presentation.
  • Alternatives to Powdered Sugar: If you don’t have powdered sugar or prefer not to use it, you can skip this step. Alternatively, you could drizzle a light glaze over the tarts made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice. A sprinkle of coarse sugar or turbinado sugar can also add a nice textural contrast and a subtle sweetness.

By carefully selecting each ingredient and understanding its role in the recipe, you are well on your way to creating delicious and visually stunning New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts.

Instructions

Creating these delightful New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts is a rewarding process, and following these detailed instructions will guide you through each step to ensure perfect results. Let’s break down each stage, providing helpful tips and insights along the way.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Core and thinly slice the apples.
   • Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure the rack is positioned in the center. Preheating is essential for even baking and helps the puff pastry rise properly and become golden brown. An oven thermometer can be very useful to ensure your oven is accurately preheated, as oven temperatures can sometimes vary.
   • Preparing the Apples:
     • Apple Variety and Preparation: Choose your preferred apple variety (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended). Wash the apples thoroughly. You can peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds color and a bit of texture to the rose petals. If you leave the skin on, ensure you wash the apples very well.
     • Coring the Apples: Use an apple corer to remove the core efficiently. If you don’t have an apple corer, you can cut the apples in half, then quarters, and carefully cut out the core from each quarter with a paring knife.
     • Thinly Slicing the Apples: The key to creating beautiful apple roses is to slice the apples very thinly. A mandoline slicer is ideal for achieving uniform, thin slices quickly and easily. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife and slice the apples as thinly and evenly as possible. Aim for slices that are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Thicker slices will be harder to bend and shape into roses. Slicing thinly also helps the apples soften and cook through evenly.
2. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar.
   • Mixing the Apples: Place the thinly sliced apple pieces in a medium-sized bowl.
   • Adding Lemon Juice: Immediately drizzle the lemon juice over the apple slices and toss gently to coat them evenly. This prevents oxidation and keeps the apples from browning.
   • Adding Cinnamon and Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar over the lemon-juice-coated apple slices. Toss again gently to ensure all the slices are evenly coated with the spice and sugar mixture. This step infuses the apples with flavor before they are simmered and baked.
3. Heat water in a saucepan and add the apple slices. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.
   • Simmering the Apples:
     • Preparing the Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, heat the water over medium heat until it begins to simmer. You don’t need to bring it to a rolling boil, just a gentle simmer is sufficient.
     • Adding Apple Slices: Carefully add the apple slices to the simmering water. Ensure the water covers most of the apple slices. If needed, add a little more water, but avoid adding too much, as you want to simmer and soften them, not boil them.
     • Simmering Time: Simmer the apple slices for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly softened and pliable. They should still have some firmness but be flexible enough to bend without breaking. The exact simmering time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of your apple slices and the variety of apples. Check for pliability by gently trying to bend a slice; it should bend easily without snapping.
     • Purpose of Simmering: Simmering softens the apples, making them easier to shape into roses. It also pre-cooks them slightly, ensuring they are tender in the final baked tarts.
4. Drain the slices and let them cool.
   • Draining the Apples: Once the apple slices are slightly softened, carefully drain them using a colander or slotted spoon. Be gentle as the softened slices are delicate and can break easily. Discard the simmering liquid (or you can reserve it to make a light apple-cinnamon syrup for drizzling over the tarts later).
   • Cooling the Apples: Spread the drained apple slices on a plate or baking sheet in a single layer to cool slightly. Cooling them makes them easier to handle and prevents them from making the puff pastry too soft. They don’t need to be completely cold, just cool enough to handle comfortably.
5. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips (about 1.5 inches wide).
   • Preparing the Puff Pastry:
     • Lightly Floured Surface: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
     • Rolling out the Puff Pastry: Gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to slightly thin it out. Rolling it out slightly makes it easier to cut into strips and work with. Avoid rolling it too thin, or it might lose its puff when baked.
     • Cutting into Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet into strips that are approximately 1.5 inches wide and about 8-10 inches long (the length will depend on the size of your puff pastry sheet and how many roses you want to create from each strip). You should aim to get about 6-8 strips from a standard sheet of puff pastry.
6. Lay overlapping apple slices along one edge of the pastry strip and fold the other edge over the apples to create a rose shape.
   • Assembling the Rose Tarts:
     • Arranging Apple Slices: Take a pastry strip and lay it horizontally in front of you. Arrange the cooled apple slices along one edge of the pastry strip, overlapping each slice slightly. Let the curved edge of the apple slices extend slightly over the edge of the pastry strip, resembling rose petals. Arrange about 6-8 apple slices along each strip, depending on the length of your strip and the desired size of your roses.
     • Folding the Pastry: Once you have arranged the apple slices, gently fold the other edge of the pastry strip over the apple slices. This will enclose the base of the apple slices.
     • Rolling into Roses: Starting from one end of the pastry strip, carefully roll up the pastry strip to create a rose shape. As you roll, keep the apple slices facing outwards to resemble petals. Tuck the end of the pastry strip underneath the rose to secure it. This creates the base of your apple rose.
7. Place the formed tarts in a muffin tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
   • Baking the Tarts:
     • Muffin Tin Preparation: Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. While liners aren’t strictly necessary, they make removing the tarts easier and cleanup simpler.
     • Placing Tarts in Muffin Tin: Gently place each apple rose tart into a muffin cup. The muffin tin helps to support the shape of the roses during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
     • Baking Time and Temperature: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the apple slices are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the tarts and check for doneness around 25 minutes. They are ready when the pastry is nicely golden brown and crisp.
     • Checking for Doneness: The tarts are done when the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the apple slices are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. You can gently insert a toothpick into the pastry to check if it is cooked through; it should come out clean.
8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
   • Finishing Touches:
     • Cooling Slightly: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the tarts cool slightly in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.
     • Dusting with Powdered Sugar: While the tarts are still slightly warm or cooled completely, dust them generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve or a powdered sugar shaker. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
     • Serving: Serve the New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create beautiful and delicious New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving providing approximately:

• Calories: 182 kcal

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Calorie estimations are based on standard ingredient values and may not account for variations in brands or specific preparation methods.

This calorie count makes these mini tarts a relatively light dessert option, especially when considering the indulgence factor. They offer a sweet treat without being overly heavy, making them a perfect choice for those mindful of their calorie intake during festive seasons. The natural sweetness from the apples, combined with the controlled amount of sugar, contributes to a balanced flavor profile and a moderate calorie count.

Preparation Time

Here’s a breakdown of the time involved in making these delightful New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
  • This includes the time for coring and slicing the apples, preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture, thawing the puff pastry (if not already thawed), and setting up your workspace.
• Cook time: 25 minutes
  • This is the baking time in the oven, allowing the puff pastry to become golden brown and the apple roses to cook through and caramelize slightly.
• Rest time: 5 minutes
  • This is the time allowed for the tarts to cool slightly in the muffin tin after baking before serving. This cooling period helps them set slightly and makes them easier to handle and enjoy.
• Total time: 50 minutes

In under an hour, from start to finish, you can have these elegant and delicious New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts ready to serve. The relatively short preparation and cooking times make this recipe ideal for both planned gatherings and spontaneous sweet cravings. The hands-on time is minimal, making it accessible even for busy individuals or beginner bakers.

How to Serve

New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts are incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and enjoyment:

• Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream works beautifully with these mini tarts. The warmth of the tarts contrasts perfectly with the cold, creamy ice cream, creating a delightful textural and temperature contrast. A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or French vanilla ice cream will enhance the flavors.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. The buttery, toffee-like notes of caramel complement the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle to enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet dimension.
• Alongside a dollop of Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche adds a light and tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the tarts. Whipped cream provides a cloud-like texture and a subtle sweetness, while crème fraîche offers a richer, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity. You can also flavor your whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Paired with a Hot Beverage: Serve these mini tarts alongside a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink complements the comforting flavors of the apple and cinnamon, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon or evening treat. Spiced chai tea, apple cider, or a cinnamon-infused hot chocolate would be particularly delightful choices.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: These mini tarts are a wonderful addition to a brunch spread. Their elegant presentation and delicious flavor make them a standout item on a brunch buffet. They pair well with savory brunch dishes like quiches, frittatas, and breakfast pastries.
• As a Festive Dessert for New Year’s Eve: The rose shape and festive flavors make these tarts perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration. They are elegant enough to serve at a party and easy to make in larger batches if needed. Arrange them beautifully on a platter for a stunning dessert display.
• Decorated with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the tarts with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the tarts and enhances their visual appeal.
• With a Light Dusting of Cinnamon: Instead of just powdered sugar, consider adding a light dusting of ground cinnamon along with the powdered sugar for an extra aromatic and flavorful finish. This enhances the cinnamon notes already present in the tarts.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts are sure to be a delightful treat enjoyed by all.

Additional Tips

To ensure your New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts are absolutely perfect, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Over Simmer the Apples: While simmering the apple slices is crucial for softening them, be careful not to over-simmer them. Overcooked apples will become too mushy and difficult to shape into roses. Aim for just slightly softened slices that are pliable but still hold their shape. Test a slice by gently bending it; it should bend without breaking easily.
2. Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry works best when it is cold. If your puff pastry becomes too warm while you are working with it, it can become sticky and difficult to handle, and it might not puff up as well during baking. If you notice the pastry getting too soft, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill before continuing. Work quickly and efficiently to minimize warming.
3. Use a Muffin Tin for Perfect Shape: Baking these tarts in a muffin tin is highly recommended. The muffin cups provide support for the rose shapes and prevent them from spreading out too much during baking. This ensures that your tarts maintain their beautiful rose form and bake evenly. If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but they might spread slightly more.
4. Egg Wash for Extra Golden Color (Optional): For an even more golden brown and glossy finish, you can brush the puff pastry with a light egg wash before baking. To make an egg wash, whisk together one egg yolk with a tablespoon of water or milk. Brush this mixture lightly over the pastry before placing the tarts in the oven. This will enhance the color and shine of the baked tarts.
5. Experiment with Flavors: While cinnamon is classic for apple desserts, feel free to experiment with other spices to add your own twist. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor profile. You can also add a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the simmering water for an extra layer of aroma. For a different flavor dimension, try using a different type of jam or preserve brushed lightly onto the puff pastry before adding the apple slices, such as apricot or fig jam.

By incorporating these tips into your baking process, you’ll be well-equipped to create flawless and incredibly delicious New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts every time.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts, to help you troubleshoot and achieve baking success:

Q1: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the apple slices and assemble the rose tarts ahead of time. You can assemble the tarts and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake them fresh just before serving for the best puff pastry texture. If you need to make them further in advance, you can bake them and then reheat them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving to refresh the puff pastry.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pastry instead of puff pastry?

A: While puff pastry is highly recommended for its flaky texture and rise, you can use other types of pastry in a pinch. Shortcrust pastry or even crescent roll dough could be used as alternatives. However, the texture and flakiness will be different from puff pastry. Shortcrust pastry will result in a more dense and less airy tart, while crescent roll dough might be sweeter and less structured. Puff pastry provides the best combination of flakiness, buttery flavor, and visual appeal for these tarts.

Q3: My apple roses are not holding their shape. What am I doing wrong?

A: There could be a few reasons why your apple roses are not holding their shape:

• Apple slices are too thick: If the apple slices are too thick, they will be stiff and difficult to bend into rose shapes. Ensure you slice the apples very thinly (about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick).
• Apples not simmered enough: If the apple slices are not simmered sufficiently, they will be too firm and prone to breaking when you try to shape them. Simmer them until they are slightly softened and pliable but not mushy.
• Pastry strips too wide or too narrow: If the pastry strips are too wide, the roses might become bulky and less defined. If they are too narrow, they might not provide enough support for the apple slices. Aim for strips that are about 1.5 inches wide.
• Rolling too loosely: When rolling up the pastry strip, roll it firmly but gently to ensure the rose shape is compact and holds together. Tuck the end of the pastry strip securely underneath to prevent it from unraveling.

Q4: Can I add other fruits or fillings to these tarts?

A: Yes, you can definitely get creative with fillings! While apple is the star of this recipe, you can add other fruits or fillings to complement the apple flavor. Consider adding:

• Pears: Thinly sliced pears can be used in place of or in combination with apples for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Berries: A few fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) can be added to the center of the rose before baking for a fruity burst.
• Jam or Preserves: Spread a thin layer of apple butter, apricot jam, or fig preserves onto the puff pastry strip before adding the apple slices for extra flavor and sweetness.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the apple roses before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover apple rose mini tarts?

A: Leftover apple rose mini tarts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. While they can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life slightly, refrigerating them can make the puff pastry lose some of its crispness. To refresh them, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving to restore some of the crispness to the pastry.

These FAQs should help you navigate any questions or challenges you might encounter while making these delightful New Year Apple Rose Mini Tarts, ensuring a smooth and successful baking experience.

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