Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites—and Pictorial on How To Temper Chocolate



Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites

My Kids and I are having a blast so far this summer.  They are currently taking swimming classes together.  Besides swimming classes, we visit the library, theme parks, the regular parks, and family/friends gatherings quite often.  It’s always nice to have the Kids around the house when they are off from school.  During the Summer, I tend to make simple recipes and treats that my Kids can help out.  Actually, many treats are inspired by them.  Such as these Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites. 

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites

Whenever we visit the theme park, my Son would ask for a frozen treat, such as the frozen banana because I made these treats all the time (see previous post here).  But, it’s way easier for the Kids to eat them (without making a mess) when the frozen bananas are in bite size, instead of the whole banana.  Plus, they are a lot more adorable in bite size too, aren't they?  Besides banana bites, I also made chocolate dipped frozen raspberries quite often.  The key (and quick tip) to make these frozen bites is to pick ripened bananas, cut them into bite size pieces, then, insert the tooth picks while they are still in room temperature.  I place the tooth pick ready banana bites in freezer safe containers, cover with lid, and freeze for at least 2 hours before dipping them in melted chocolate.  Same with the raspberries.  In my opinion, they are the perfect healthy summer treats.

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites

After dipping the frozen banana bites in the melted chocolate, you can dip them in a small bowl of chopped nuts such as peanuts, pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts.  Or, as my Son would preferred, leave them plain.  They are equally good.  My Kids love helping out with the dipping process because they can dip as much as they want.  Not to mention, they get to “clean out” the bowl of the melted chocolate when the dipping process is done.  I guess that’s part of the enjoyment, besides eating the treats.

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites
 
Of course, you can melt your chocolate in the microwave, as mentioned in this recipe.  But, tempering chocolate is just as easy.  I included a step by step pictorial with tips to show you how.  Perfectly tempered chocolate gives you the crunch and shines that will highlight the entire chocolate experience.  Here’s how (this is also known as “the seeding” method):

1)  Heat about an inch of water in a medium saucepan until simmer.  (See bubbles rising on the sides of the water).  Make sure to lower the heat so the water remains simmer and not a rapid boil.  Otherwise, the chocolate might burn easily. 

2) Make sure the chocolate is finely chopped.  When each chocolate piece are roughly the same size, it will melt more evenly. 

3) Place about 3/4 of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over the saucepan of simmering water.  Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.  Place a candy thermometer into the chocolate if you have one.  Stir with a spatula or a spoon to encourage even melting.  It is very important that you do not let the temperature of the chocolate to exceed 120 degrees F.  Around 115 degree F would be perfect.

4. When all the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from heat.  Wipe the bottom of the bowl to remove condensation because if any water gets into the chocolate, it could seize up into a chunky mess.  And don’t ask me how I know that.  So, making sure all equipment is dry is very important in tempering chocolate.

5. Stir in the remaining 1/4 (“the seed”) of the chocolate until all melted.  The chocolate will start thickening as the “un-melted” chocolate will lower the overall temperature.  When the chocolate has dropped to 82 degree F, place the bowl back to the saucepan of simmering water.  Stir constantly, and reheat the chocolate back to 88 degree F.   Do not let the chocolate gets over 91 degree F or the chocolate will be out of temper and you'll have to start over again.

6.  See how nice and shinny the melted chocolate is?  To test if your chocolate is tempered, spread a small amount of melted chocolate on a piece of parchment. It should remains shiny when  it’s dried with no streaks.  Now, you have perfectly tempered chocolate.

Note:  I love the seeding method because by introducing a "seed", the un-melted 1/4 of the chocolate, that is still in temper, will encourage the rest of the melted chocolate to reform its melted cocoa butter crystals, in a tempered state.  When using 'a seed,' your chances of having a bowl of perfectly tempered chocolate is higher because you don’t have to wait for the proper crystals to form on their own in the melted chocolate.
 
Pictorial
 
I hope you’re inspired to temper your chocolate at home and start dipping!  Or use your melted chocolate in candy molds and other fun chocolate projects.  For the Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites, you can use any fruit that you like.  For example, blueberries, strawberries, sliced peaches, orange peels, & etc. would be just as wonderful.  I love the banana ones as they are creamy inside and the chocolate crust is crunchy on the outside.  The raspberry ones are sweet and tart inside, perfectly balanced with the bitter-sweet dark chocolate crust.  So, start creating and let your taste buds and imagination take you to a whole new delectable level.
 
Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites






Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Bites: (Printable Recipe)
2 Ripen bananas, cut into bite size
1/2 cup fresh raspberries (you can also use another other berries or fruit pieces)
8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped (if using)

Insert a tooth pick into each piece of fruit.  Place them in freezer safe containers, covered and freeze for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Holding the tooth pick, dip frozen fruit into the melted chocolate and dripped off excess.  Then, roll around chopped nuts (if using) and place it back inside the container.  The chocolate should harden instantly.  Repeat with the rest of the fruit bites.  Enjoy immediately or keep frozen until ready to serve.











100 comments:

  1. These frozen fruit bites look so adorable and delicious Amy! I love that they are healthy and fun too. My 2 year old would have a blast helping me dip the chocolate (and probably make a mess everywhere at the same time hehe). What a great frozen treat and thank you for the pictorial on tempering chocolate, it's so helpful :)

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    1. Thank you, Kelly. Glad you like these little frozen treat. I know, my kids always make a mess helping me in the kitchen. But that's party of the fun for them. :) Glad you found the tutorial helpful. Enjoy.

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  2. oh I want do it at home!!!!

    Do you want follow each other?
    If you want follow me and tell me I will follow right back :)
    xoxo♥
    http://sosweetsopink.blogspot.pt/

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    1. Thank you. I'm following you on GFC and facebook. :)

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  3. I love these fruit bites! I'm always looking for a chilled dessert these days and a little chocolate-covered frozen health sounds good to me!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. Glad you love these frozen treats. I agree, I can't stop having frozen treat these days. IT's the perfect way to cool down in the hot weather.

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  4. Mini Fondues on a stick:) I saw cherries dipped in white on Pinterest yesterday..cute too!

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    1. Cherries with white chocolate sounds wonderful too. Gotta add that to the dipping list.

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  5. Hi Amy, this is really fun to do with the kids. Nice click! I love fruits dip in chocolate too, very inviting.

    Have a nice day.

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. Yeah, we had so much fun dipping away. :) Glad you like the pictures.

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  6. Alright, you got me sold. Have to make these!

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    1. Thank you, Belinda. Oh, I'm sure you'll love these.

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  7. This is so lovely. Thanks for sharing. I have never try the frozen one, should be so tasty :)

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    1. Thank you, Jozelyn. Oh yeah, I love them frozen in this hot weather. Hope you'll give them a try soon. Enjoy.

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  8. This is such a lovely snack and especially for kids. Banana and chocolate match perfectly!

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    1. Thank you, Katerina. Yes, my kids (and I) love these treats. :)

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    1. Thank you,Anu. Glad you like this frozen treat idea.

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  10. Thank for the information of tempering chocolate. All looks great! I agree with Belinda, have to make these!

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    1. Thank you. Oh yeah, I'm sure you'll love this. Glad you found the pictorial helpful. :)

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  11. How whimsical AND delicious...those are some great tips, Amy!

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    1. Thank you, Angela. :) Glad you like the tips.

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  12. oh what a fab idea to mix fruit and chocolate for a easy dessert especially people considering calories...i will go for dark chocolate dip

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    1. Thank you, Divya. Oh yeah, I love dark chocolate with this and I'm sure you'll enjoy these little frozen treats too.

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  13. I wish I could get my 8-yr old to like more fruit. Even chocolate dipped doesn't tempt him but I'll keep working on it. This is such a cute, yummy idea. Love that you work on it with the little ones. I'm sure they love it!

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    1. oh...don't worry. Kids always change what they like. Hope your 8-yr old will appreciate more fruit and veggies as he/she gets a little older. :)

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  14. Chocolate and raspberries is such a good pair. I made this with the little miniature Thailand bananas and of course my husband laughed at them. Cutting them in cubes is a much better option. Take Care, BAM

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    1. Oh..I love those mini Thai bananas! They are the sweetest thing and a sweet fragrant that regular bananas don't have. hehe....I can't blame your hubby, I bet my hubby would do the same thing, that's just what guys do! :)

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  15. What fun, tasty treats! Perfect for summer!

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    1. Thank you, Sue. Oh yes, these are so great for hot summer days. :)

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  16. Growing up one of our favorite things to eat was a chocolate covered banana - so I love that. Too bad we didn't have the raspberries because those sound like the perfect combo. Both so easy to prepare there's no reason not to have them around all the time.

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    1. That's so true. I love this easy to prepare and easy to please recipe. Glad chocolate covered bananas are your favorite. I'm sure you'll love the raspberry version too.

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  17. Amy, how sweet of an idea is this. Your pics are so cute.
    Thanks for the pics on tempering chocolate, there is nothing worse than burnt chocolate.

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    1. Thank you, Asha. Glad you like the pictures. I agree, don't think burnt chocolate is an good idea. :)

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  18. I did this with banana-peanut butter sandwich...it was a huge hit!
    Love yours too!

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    1. Oh...banana PB sandwich is wonderful too. Can't wait to try that.

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  19. I'm still intimidated by the process of chocolate tempering but ah, maybe. Love the way your fruit bites look!

    ~Jayne (tenacioustinkering.com)

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    1. Oh...don't be intimidated. It really is easier than you think. :) You'll know if you give it a try. Have fun.

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  20. Oh yum! What a great summertime treat.

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    1. Thank you, Trishie. Yes, these little treats are perfect for summer and I can probably eat them every day too!

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  21. Super summer treat! Children just love this and it is a way to get children to eat fruits.

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    1. Yeah...I know. My kids always love fruit so they are really excited about these frozen ones.

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  22. These look wonderful! I love chocolate, so I need to try this soon!

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    1. Thank you,Sarah. Oh, I'm sure you'll love these little frozen treats. :)

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  23. These look perfect for the hot weather in summer! Plus they look beautiful on the plate :)

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    1. Thank you,Ann. Glad you like these little treats. :)

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  24. Amy, what a fantastic idea for hot summer we are having finally here! Thank you for the inspiration! I can already see myself freezing all the fruits I have coated in chocolate tonight.

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    1. Thank you, Sissi. I know...it's so much fun to try freezing different fruit and dip them in chocolate. Really tasty too. Have fun dipping! ;)

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  25. Thse look so cute and delicious!! Love this idea

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    1. Thank you, Ashley. Glad you love these little frozen treats.

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  26. What a great idea!!! These are so easy to make and are perfect to cool down in the summer!

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    1. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. P Yup, these are perfect way to cool down. :)

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  27. Great ideas and great tutorial. And perfect teeny bites for anyone! Thanks, Amy.

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    1. Thank you, Abbe. Glad you like the tutorial and these little frozen treats. :)

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  28. These are such nice, healthy treats. Really good stuff! And terrific tutorial on tempering chocolate. We so often microwave, but it's good to know how to do real tempering. Excellent post - thanks.

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like these little treats and the tutorial. :) With small amount, I like to use the microwave too. But when I'm making a larger batch, I think the double boiler did a way better job.

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  29. Ohhh una delicia irresistible buena idea,abrazos y saludos.

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    1. Gracias. Me alegra que te estas pequeñas delicias congeladas.

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  30. Replies
    1. Thank you, Kiran. Glad you like these little frozen summer treats.

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  31. Yes, Amy, this treat are just perfect for this warm weather...nothing better than fresh frozen fruits covered with chocolate...yum!
    Hope you are having a great week my dear :D

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    1. Thank you, Juliana. Glad you like these frozen treats. :)

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  32. I've never tried these frozen versions before. I think I will like it better than the normal ones :)

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    1. I'm sure you'll love these frozen version better than the regular ones, especially in the summer. :)

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  33. I would love to try recipe and thanks for the tips. We have bananas and I will gather other local fruits. Certainly have a stick will be a joy to kids and all choc lovers.

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    1. Thank you, Navaneetham. Glad you like this idea. Yes, try them with your local and seasonal fruit. They will be wonderful!

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  34. WOW on these frozen fruit bites! Perfect for summer...



    Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen

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    1. Thank you, Peachy. Yes, these are so much fun to make and to eat in summer time. :) Hope you're enjoying your summer so far.

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  35. Awesome creation! I’m sure it must have been incredibly addictive and good!

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    1. Oh yeah...these are quite addictive. Good thing I keep them in mini sizes. ;)

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  36. Let me tell you that those chocolate raspberries will not leave my mind until I make them. Brilliant idea! Tempering chocolate makes such a difference. Great tutorial

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    1. Thank you, Paula. I agree, I love a piece of well tempered chocolate! Glad you like these frozen treat ideas. I'm sure you'll love the taste as well.

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  37. Brilliant idea..looks so cute and yummy..perfect summer treat

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    1. Thank you, Gayathri. Glad you love this frozen treat idea. :)

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  38. Thanks Amy for your comment on my blog :) These frozen treats look so yummy. Have a great day.

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    1. Thank you, Hovkonditorn. Glad you like these frozen treats. :)

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  39. These frozen fruits are yummy bites! I'm not sure if I've the patient to go thru the tempering method..... Why don't u just send me some? Hahaha!

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    1. LOL....send you some will work too. But the tempering method really doesn't take that long compared to melting the chocolate in the microwave. :)

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  40. Hi Amy, thanks for dropping by my place and leaving a comment, nice to meet another blogger friend. These little treats are so cute, it will be difficult to stop at one :)

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    1. Thank you. Like wise, thank you for stopping by. Glad you like these little frozen treats.

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  41. Oh my! They all look yummy! The raspberry bites would be an especially big hit here at my house! Hugs & joy! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Tina. Oh yeah, we usually use all kinds of different fruit but we always go back to banana and raspberries. :)

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  42. I would much prefer your bite-size frozen bananas. Even for adults, the whole banana can be a bit messy *and* just too much. I've never had a chocolate-covered raspberry - sounds like a real treat!

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    1. Thank you, Jean. I agree, I love the mini size way better. you've gotta give those raspberries ones a try. They are really good.

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  43. I love your bite sized frozen treats...perfect for grown ups, too!!!

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    1. Thank you, Liz. Oh yeah....these are perfect for both kids and grown ups. :)

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  44. Such a great guide! Those chocolate-covered fruit bites sound delicious, too. A very creative and tasty way to beat the heat :)

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    1. Thank you, Eva. Glad you like the pictorial and these little frozen treats.

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  45. I've made these for myself - they are delicious!

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    1. Thank you for trying and I'm glad you love these mini frozen treats. :)

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  46. So smart to make these bite-sized for little mouths. They're so cute!

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    1. Thank you, Amy. Yes, they are fun to make and fun to eat too. :) Glad you like these little treats.

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  47. I mostly like to eat raspberries from my childhood but never try chocolate dipped raspberries in my whole life. Your banana chocolate combination is also very delightful. I will try that both flavored frozen fruit bites at home right now. This is great bites for me i will also try to impress my girlfriend with these bites.
    dry fruit hampers

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  48. If I'm making bites with pineapple, cantaloupe and peaches should I freeze all the fruit first. Never done this before.

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    1. You don't have to freeze them first, especially if you're not serving from as frozen treats. But I love them frozen and they set a lot faster. So it's pretty much up to you. And if you do, just make sure to cut them into the right size, insert the toothpicks before freezing them. :) Hope that helps.

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