Monday, April 28, 2008

Mutton Fry – Aattirachi Olathiyathu


Looks like it’s been a long time since I made a chat with my virtual friends……..a long time since I really sat back and scribbled few things here with a relaxed state of mind. I have been too pre-occupied with our relocation and then settling in the new place and just when I was trying to get accustomed to the new kitchen, I tired to squeeze in a huge project like this one, just out of some strange passion and found myself cooking and typing those recipes, leaving me more exhausted and drained for the next two weeks which in a way de-toxed myself from that obsession with this teeny–weeny cyber space of mine! Finally I feel re-charged. And yes, finally we re settled at the new place! As much as I miss our old house where we grew and matured as a couple, that small town where I enjoyed snow-cones in summer, strolling the pavements along with CJJ and that international store with abundance of seafood which sometimes gave me a glance of sardines, we re trying to make sweet memories here, filling the place with more fun and laughter and yes, its finally beginning to smell like a home…that overwhelming smell of fresh paint is gone! :)

Also it‘s been a long time since I have taken up a tag :) Recently, Mathew, who ‘sparks’ as bachelor ambrosia tagged me and here it goes…:)


1. LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER:

27 Dresses. Don’t develop any wrong impression here that CJJ willingly takes me to all chick-flick movies……It was a quid-pro-quo for 10000 B.C but I cheated in the end: D

2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?

A boring one to brush up my profession……I might probably re-name the book as ‘Sleep Inducer’ or ‘Your ticket to Day-Dreaming’!!


3. FAVORITE BOARD GAME?

Monopoly. I still get excited thinking of building hotels at the Mayfair (we used to play the London version)


4. FAVORITE MAGAZINE?

No favorites…..though currently I have a subscription for Martha Stewart Living and American Cake Decorating

5. FAVORITE SMELLS?

Smell from my mother’s kitchen, Fresh mint ,CJJ’s after-shave

6. FAVORITE SOUND?
Sound of flowing water on a bed of river rocks
,Sound of waves, Church bells, Whistle from the milk-cooker…..there is something nostalgic about it and I miss it!

7. WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?

When I feel helpless having no control over the unlucky things happening to my close ones


8. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE?

Usually I don’t think of anything as CJJ wakes me up in the most beautiful way with a cup of tea! Again do not frame any wrong impression here as that’s the only time he enters the kitchen and does something!


9. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?

There was a small restaurant near my home from where my father used to get us Porotta, beef curry & Peas Masala during my childhood days….……I don’t know if it was the best I ever tasted but it is close to my heart due to various reasons associated with it…….but they closed that place during my teens.
In US of A, it is Panera Bread

10. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME?

It took me two days to finalize a name for this blog…so you can imagine how challenging it can be for naming the child!!!

11. FINISH THIS STATEMENT. "IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I'D...?

12. FINISH THIS STATEMENT, "IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD .....

Since time and money are so related, let me club these two…. Firstly, I would sponsor research expenses for inventing THE medicine for removing cholesterol related issues, so we need not torture the logical and reasoning side of brain to control our frequent food temptations. Secondly, backpack around the world enjoying the local flavors, peeking into the cultural heritage of the place. Sponsor education for more children…….take up a professional course in residential planning and home interiors……...lastly, build a small house in a beautiful small town in Kerala, on the banks of a river, with a huge estate in the back where CJJ can do his rubber /poultry / fish farm business!!!! My dream place and house is something like the one in “Unnikale oru Kadha Parayam” movie!

13. DO YOU DRIVE FAST?
Hmm…well ….it depends on your definition of ‘fast’. :-) 99% I am a decent driver but sometimes these US state highways forces me to accelerate a bit ;-)


14.DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
Yes, I sleep with one ever since I got married : P But pal is trying to loose weight and stuffing is shrinking these days….. :)


15. STORMS-COOL OR SCARY?

All of the above!

16. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

If what they is right, “after marriage , its two bodies, one soul and one bank account”, I shared a Corolla with CJJ but unfortunately we lost our buddy last year after a road accident ……I miss ‘him’ a lot, though I love our new Jetta!

17. FAVORITE DRINK?

Water with a slice of lemon


18. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
Nope.


19. IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?

Black, considering the growing number of gray hairs here and there!!


20. NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN.
Queen of Arabian Sea, Capital city of Tamilnadu, Capital city of Hoosier state, US and the current one

21. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

Again, no favorites here. India Vs Pakistan match excites me if I have the right company, my brother or CJJ ….same with tennis and American Football (Only if Colts are playing!) (Btw, I still don’t understand why they call it football when they throw the ball with their hands!!!)

22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU.
A nice young guy hiding under a ‘Komban Meesa’ with a special knack of making everyone feel special :)

23. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED?

Angels!


24. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN?

Hmm….yes, if it is with some modification and improvements and if my family and CJJ is willing to paddle the life with me. I doubt the second part of that statement!!

25. MORNING PERSON, OR NIGHT OWL?

Neither. I need to sleep well.


26. OVER EASY, OR SUNNY SIDE UP?

Sunny side up


27. FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX?

At home!


28. FAVORITE PIE?

Can I re-frame this question as favourite Payasam/Pradhaman? If yes, Parippu Pradhaman and Palada Payasam. If not, I’m not a pie person.

29. FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Hmm…..difficult to say as I dont enjoy ice creams much……


30. OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU TAGGED THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
Let me tag firstttt !!! :) Seena, Jyothsna, Musical , Swati and Anamika



Mutton Fry / Aattirachi Olathiyathu is another favourite of non-vegetarian population of Kerala. Mutton is tastier than beef as well as expensive too. Curried or roasted or fried, it is ‘delicious’ when cooked with exotic spices and fresh herbs. This is my mother’s recipe and one of the many things I miss most about her cooking. Let me share this tasty, spicy and aromatic meat preparation with you.

Ingredients: (Approx.)
To Pressure cook:
  • 1 lb fresh mutton with bones (around ½ kg) , cubed and washed
  • 4 Indian green chillies, slit opened lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp ginger finely chopped
  • 1 ½ tbsp garlic finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups big onion, roughly chopped (around 1 large big onion)
  • Salt to taste
To Sauté:
  • ½ cup red-small pearl onions, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 Indian green chillies, slit opened lengthwise
  • 4 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 ½ tsp chilly powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • Masala Powder(recipe follows)
  • 2 sprigs of curry leaves
  • ½ cup small coconut slices/’Thengakothu’ (Optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 ½ tbsp coconut oil
To Make the Masala Powder:
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds/’Perinjeerakam’
  • 6-8 cinnamon sticks of 1 inch length
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 2 cloves
  • ½ tbsp black peppercorns
Directions:
  • Marinate the cubed pieces of meat with finely chopped ginger, garlic, green chilly, big onion and salt for about 10-15 minutes and then pressure cook until meat is cooked well.
  • Grind the whole spices mentioned under the ‘Masala Powder’ section to make a fine powdered masala.
  • In a large shallow pan, heat the oil and sauté thinly sliced small onions and green chillies , in low flame, until it starts to turn transparent. Tear off some curry leaves and add the coconut slices, ‘thengakothu’ to this. Now, add coriander powder and sauté for about 10 minutes, in very low heat, stirring continuously, until the spice powder is roasted well with small onion and its raw smell is gone; then add turmeric powder and chilly powder and again sauté for around 10 minutes, in very low heat, without burning the spices, stirring continuously; this is a very important stage as it sets the ground for the taste of the entire dish. Now add the masala powder (keep a pinch or two aside for the final sprinkling) and blend well with the roasted masala. At the stage add the meat and very little water and stir well, coating the meat evenly with the roasted masala base and cook covered and bring to a boil. (Note: If pressure cooking has produced some water from the meat, then there is no need to add extra water.) Now remove the lid, and stir well; do a taste-test and adjust the salt; then in low flame, roast the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is dried and roasted to brown colour, as in the picture above. Just two minutes before turning off the heat, add some more curry leaves and sprinkle a pinch or two of masala powder, kept aside earlier which leaves the dish with a wonderful aroma of fresh curry leaves and spices.
  • Serve warm with rice or Palappam (Laced pancakes), chappathi or porotta (Indian flat breads). This dish attains its real flavour after a couple of hours from cooking and tastes the best, the next day!!
Luv
Shn
No part of the content ( articles, photographs, recipes) of this blog may be reproduced without my written permission.Copyright © 2007-2010 Kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.

53 comments:

  1. I have been lurking around for a while. The football question made me write. It is a foot long...hence football:) let me add...this is all I know about the game, so I couldnt help but share my 2 cents here;) Good tag BTW.

    Hema (vegconcoctions)

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  2. Hello, dear Shn,nice to hear from you...glad to know that you are finally settling down in your new home...my wishes are with you both.

    ...the fry looks delish !

    ...take care :-)

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  3. I think my favorite response is #14. There's nothing like cuddling up with a loved one. :)

    I'm so happy to hear you're settling in and that the smell of paint is gone (that's horrible, isn't it?) Wishing you many cheerful mornings, beautiful meals, and peaceful nights' sleep in your new home, Shn. The angels under the bed must help with the last one, huh?

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  4. welcome back mishmash..good to know that u have settled in ur new home...:-)

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  5. Welcome back Shn.... Glad you are settling into the new place...
    I love the look of the mutton fry... and nice read too :) I catch all the chic flicks with my girlfriends, Siv will take all the fun out of a silly movie with the sarcastic comments... :)

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  6. I used to look forward to your posts every mondaybeen some time..Glad you are settling down...

    Love the presented mutton fry!

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  7. welcome back. missed those virtual non-veg treats !! I love mutton dry fry so much.. With rasam rice or idly yummmmm

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  8. sound of flowing water on a bed of river rocks...love that..very soothing i must say..would love to have some mini arrangement of that sorts in my dream home..and a "unnikkale oru kathaprayam" setting..wow..i think every man wants to be a shepherd at heart..sad that it looks so unreal now..

    and thanx for the nice words..i am feeling special now!!;-D

    pinee Mutton fry is going to my next try for sure..was wondering always it was not in your list till now...I have been having just mutton curry till now and this is sure gonna be a welcome change..and we get to buy fresh mutton from a shop just across the road from home..though expensive than the hormone injected frozen ones, it taste heavenly inspite of rookie cooking techniques..

    nice to see you coming back with a bang...and yeah hope the palukaachu and all went fine at the new home.

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  9. A very nice read and glad to know you've settled well!!

    Hey this was really funny Shn..Know what..I actually came in here to tag you and was surprised myself...
    Will do yours soon and in the mean time do check out your bit at my space...

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  10. cool post, Shn! love to have it with porathas...

    i too am living in a new place :-)

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  11. the meme was funneee. Good luck with the new place.

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  12. hey this looks spicy...and specially when i amdown with cold,,..really feel like eating this mutton fry

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  13. I love the look of the mutton fry... Good click. You are very creative.

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  14. So good to see you back, Shn! Am really happy to hear you're settling in to the new place. Great to hear more about you and that mutton recipe is killer!!! :)

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  15. Yeah you are finally settled, since you got time to do that long tag and also the delish mutton fry.

    That masala for the fry sounds great

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  16. YUmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! My weekend thanks you! I'll make it and tell you how it turns out.

    Loved your tag Shn!!

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  17. Hey Shn, nice to see you back! Thanks for tagging, I'll take it up soon, just been too lazy and busy to blog. Now I'll go read the recipe :)

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  18. Oh man! That dish is so so delicious! Great to know that you are settling down in your new house.I know how much work it is. Take your time, don't stress out. Hugs to you!:))

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  19. Shn dear, I love mutton if its done right and your's looks RIGHT! Man oh man I called my ma and asked if we can make this dish this weekend! I'm glad that you guys are settling in to your new home :o)

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  20. stuffed animal!!lol!! i don't if its the stuffing part or the animal part that had me rolling in laughter!!

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  21. Hey Shn! Do check my blog- I ahve a little surprise for you! :) I really love your recipes and photography and thank you for all you do!

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  22. happy to hear that u 've settld dwn mish....ve been luking for a mutton recipe for a while..for sure will try this...

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  23. Shn!! Sorry for the delay in welcoming you back!!
    Hope u are doing good!! Loved reading your views and not forget, haven't stopped looking at the fry

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  24. Shn, pls chk my blog for a surprise..*DING* n congrats on ur new home! The fry looks delicious!

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  25. Hema, Heyy...long time...how ve u been? well...even then it is not convincing to me as their foot- ball is in their hands 90% of the time!!:)

    Sunita, your message was quite warm dear.....made me feel good :)

    Susan, :))) "There's nothing like cuddling up with a loved one. " and getting a "bear hug" ...am I right? :))Angels will take care of everything...:P

    Rashmi, Thanks a lot.....:)

    Sig, I wish I had such company too!!! My man doesnt make any comments but the way he sits all through the movie spoils all the fun.....:))

    Rachel, sorry dear.....I was really brain dead for sometime :))

    Revathi, aahh...now we re talking :)) Yes, steamed rice, hot rasam and a spicy mutton fry....comfort meal of all times :)

    Mathew, People who makes yummy biryani, that too layered ones, at the first trial itself should not call themselves a rookie, thats a disgrace to many like me who started with blunders:))) I couldnt post mutton recipes as I was not sure if they were selling mutton or lamb meat and by the time I found a place for fresh mutton, it was time for us to move from there, and this was photographed at the last week of our stay there and at the new place,there isnt a shop like that either :( I envy u. hmm...paalukaachal with just two of us in our vaadaka veedu , went well :D 'house owner' aakumbo vilikkam , varanam ...:)) btw, have u checked those tabletop meditaion fountains ? Its quite handy compact ones..I have one and its really good, especially with a soothing music and dim light :)

    Swati, yeah...that was pure coincidence :)

    Lissie, ohh really ? Where re u now ?

    Arundathi, thanks so much :)

    notyet100,yeah...its really good for such times especially with a bowl of rasam.....How re u feeling now ? Hope u re better!

    Cilantro, thank you :)

    Kalai, thanks dear :)) you re full of enthusiasm :)

    Sandeepa, hehehhe.....it was a long one :)) this was photographed at our last place...here in this godforsaken place, I havent found a place where I can get fresh mutton :)

    Macadamia, I really wish you like the taste.....mm...waiting for your feedback :)

    Jyothsna, okei...nice to know that you re in good spirits....yeah...take your time and come recharged :)

    Asha, Hugs to you too :) Nice to see you blogging again....:)

    Anuzi, hahah....so u re making it this weekend ? invite me as well :)

    Mallugirl,:))))))))))))

    Vani, yes, that was a surprise....thanks a lot :) Hows ur lil one?

    Zareena, hope it satisfies your palate :)

    Padmaja, ohh...pls dont say sorry.....I should thank you for dropping by even with all your busy schedule....:)

    Purnima...thank you :) WOnder if I confused you...its a new rental apartment at a different state...:)

    Again thank you all......for showing so much of closeness and support...never imagined virtual interactions could bring in so much of personal element !!!

    Shn

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  26. Hi Shn, how are you doing? I've been busy with work and not blogging as regularly as I want to... the mutton fry looks absolutely delicious!

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  27. Hey Shn,
    Come on over to my blog when you get a minute. There's an award waiting for you. :)

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  28. Got to know a lot more about you reading the tag :) Yummy mutton fry..i prepare somthing similar.
    I have something waiting for you in my blog.

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  29. You have a surprise at my blog.Hope you like it!

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  30. Shn,
    mutton fry looks great,but I strongly disagree with the statement,'it's tastier than beef!'Achayanmar sammathikkilla..hehe...
    pavam cjj-ye veruthe vidaruthe....:))ofcoz u can take nisha to chick-flick movies...will give a great company:P

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  31. hi shn, what kind of coconut oil do you use for cooking? something like the parachute?
    ramyasri

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  32. Mandira, yeah i understand....try and see if you like it :)

    Susan, Pravs, Rachel...thanks girls....i am honoured to receive it from you :)

    Liz, i know....achayan blood is stained with beef...so u guys wont agree with me.....:)))does nisha watch chick flicks....oh...i dint know that...

    Anon, yes I use coconut oil....but u can try with vegetable/olive or canola oil too...

    Shn

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  33. hi shn,
    i want to know what kind of coconut oil to use?
    -ramyasri

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  34. It was really fun reading your meme :)
    Especially the part about your teddy bear's shrinking stuffing LOL

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  35. Anon, yes I use parachute...

    Nupur, thanks :)

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  36. tried out this one yday..came out sooper!!

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  37. hey big chef...thanks :)...happy that u liked it :)

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  38. This was such a pleasurable read! Glad to hear that you and CJJ have settled into your new surroundings.

    I too love playing Monopoly and the British version - those darn colonial masters!

    Will email you soon.

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  39. Exams!!! Bah! :((

    Haven't got around to trying this one out yet. But just came over to take one more look at the picture and indulge in some masochistic pleasure ;)

    Ciao! Have a yummilicious weekend Shn!

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  40. A very nice read and glad to know you've settled well!!! Your Mutton Fry looks delicious!

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  41. This one's for YOU lady
    ;)

    http://meat-ingpoint.blogspot.com/2008/05/mathew-mishmash-ed.html

    Finally!

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  42. I didn't know that you had tagged me until I see this link in statcounter.. :)
    hope you are doing well..

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  43. Is this a strictly dry dish or is it possible to make it a curry form?

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  44. mish,have you seen your spicy aatirachi at my blog ? She made my Independence day delicious !!

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  45. I tried your Mutton fry and it came out very well....thank you for your recipe!!!

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  46. hey!
    i Don't have a pressure cooker but i really want to make this. Any alternate methods for me to go about!

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  47. I just tried dis out now... it came out so well that i cant help myself from going to the kitchen and pikin up one by one... i wonder if anythn would be left when my hubby gets back home.... :) thanks for the recipe!!

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  48. Ann, Thanks for letting me know...such comments are always morale boosting ones :)

    Swapna, thanks a lot for your feedback...appreciate it! :)

    Asohan, sorry for the late reply, i think i missed your comment, only yesterday I realised I havent replied to you....if you dont have pressure cooker, you do a regular stove top cooking in a sauce pot just like you make chicken curry. goat meat takes more time to cook .

    Remya, LOL! thanks for such a lovely comment.....hope your hubby got to eat something :)

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  49. Hi Shn...usual visitor of ur blog from Ramadan onwards...tried ur mutton fry..its spicy & delicious.. one of the favorite dish of my hubby..Thanks :)

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  50. The pressure cooker is whistling away as I type this - trying this recipe right now - I've never tried a mutton recipe before, came across yours and thought this would fit the bill perfectly...can't wait!

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  51. It came out well. But only a small piece of 1 inch cinnamon. Isn't it too much 3 to 6 pieces? Also used coriander seeds instead powder. One tablespoon seeds roasted alongwith masala.

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  52. I've made this recipe three times so far, all with spectacular results, sending you some link love via my blog! Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Wanted to tell you that this dish has been a great hit with my family, and with popular demand, I'm making it again today! :)

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