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Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook: 100 Tested, Perfected, and Family-Approved Recipes
Become your family’s favorite chef with this healthy cookbook for every meal of the day, featuring100 tested, perfected, and family-approved recipes.
Once upon a time, Jenn Segal went to culinary school and worked in fancy restaurants. One marriage and two kids later she created Once Upon a Chef, the popular blog that applies her tried and true chef skills with delicious, fresh, and approachable ingredients for family friendly meals. With the authority of a professional chef and the practicality of a busy working mom, Jenn shares 100 recipes that will up your kitchen game while surprising you with their ease
· Breakfast favorites like Maple, Coconut & Blueberry Granola and Savory Ham & Cheese Waffles
· Simple soups, salads, and sandwiches for ideal lunches like the Fiery Roasted Tomato Soup paired with Smoked Gouda & Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
· Entrées the whole family will love like Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
· Tasty treats for those casual get-togethers like Buttery Cajun Popcorn and Sweet, Salty & Spicy Pecans
· Go-to sweets such as Toffee Almond Sandies and a Classic Chocolate Lover’s Birthday Cake
In Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook, Jenn Segal serves up great recipes for easy weeknight family dinners kids will love, indulgent desserts, fun cocktails, exciting appetizers, and more. There are also helpful tips on topics such as how to season correctly with salt, how to balance flavors, and how to make the most of leftovers. You’ll find everything you need to create satisfying meals your family will ask for day after day.
Once upon a time, Jenn Segal went to culinary school and worked in fancy restaurants. One marriage and two kids later she created Once Upon a Chef, the popular blog that applies her tried and true chef skills with delicious, fresh, and approachable ingredients for family friendly meals. With the authority of a professional chef and the practicality of a busy working mom, Jenn shares 100 recipes that will up your kitchen game while surprising you with their ease
· Breakfast favorites like Maple, Coconut & Blueberry Granola and Savory Ham & Cheese Waffles
· Simple soups, salads, and sandwiches for ideal lunches like the Fiery Roasted Tomato Soup paired with Smoked Gouda & Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
· Entrées the whole family will love like Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
· Tasty treats for those casual get-togethers like Buttery Cajun Popcorn and Sweet, Salty & Spicy Pecans
· Go-to sweets such as Toffee Almond Sandies and a Classic Chocolate Lover’s Birthday Cake
In Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook, Jenn Segal serves up great recipes for easy weeknight family dinners kids will love, indulgent desserts, fun cocktails, exciting appetizers, and more. There are also helpful tips on topics such as how to season correctly with salt, how to balance flavors, and how to make the most of leftovers. You’ll find everything you need to create satisfying meals your family will ask for day after day.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
927 people are currently reading
1849 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 19, 2018
This was a LibraryThing.com win for me, and I read it the day it arrived in the mail (today!). And I am sure I'll read it many times over again when looking for something simple, attractive, and healthy to make. I know I'll be trying Joanne's Refrigerator Dill Pickles as I'm always on a quest for the perfect dill. Also am intrigued by the Maryland Crab Cakes and Spanakopita Rolls. The dinner rolls and all of the soups sound amazing, as does the Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut dressing.
These are things I usually let someone else make for me, but Segal makes them look so easy. I will update this review as I try some of the recipes. (Haha, we'll see!)
These are things I usually let someone else make for me, but Segal makes them look so easy. I will update this review as I try some of the recipes. (Haha, we'll see!)
November 3, 2022
In late 2018, I discovered this cookbook while shelving at the library. I checked it out, took it home, and made a few recipes. Shortly thereafter, I purchased it. It’s been one of my favorites to feature on the PWPL Secret Kitchens: Library Edition (by pure coincidence) because it’s one I use for so many of my go-to recipes.
The photography is engaging without being over-the-top or overpowering the recipes. Pictures can say 1,000 words, but the recipes need to also speak for themselves, which they do here. After the introduction, she shares about her kitchen and some of her top tool recommendations before leading into recipes. Recipes are organized into 9 chapters from the beginning of the meal to the end: from starters/snacks all the way to desserts and cocktails too. At the end of each food chapter, there’s a “pro tip from my kitchen” two-page spread.
Several recipes include “heads up,” “sourcing savvy,” and “pro tips” for either sourcing ingredients or prep to be done ahead of time (i.e. don’t wait until 30 minutes before dinner to start prepping your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Kebabs as they need to marinate for at least 6 hours and you should use chicken thighs for the best results.)
I haven’t cooked every recipe in this book yet, but the reason I highly recommend it is that several recipes are regular repeats in my rotation: the pizza crust from three-cheese white pizzas with arugula, Baja fish tacos, grilled buffalo chicken kebabs, buttermilk fried chicken tenders (I pair these with waffles), maple, coconut & blueberry granola, spinach & gruyere quiche, and basil pesto.
As I flip through, I see so many more recipes I want to try. This is a reliable resource at the ready. And my favorite library cookbook bonus: it’s available on hoopla, so no need to worry about spilling on the print copy while you’re cooking.
There are also more recipes available on her blog “Once Upon a Chef” including my favorite: restaurant-style salsa. Follow-up reading: her latest cookbook is Weeknight/Weekend, also available via PWPL, which came out in 2021.
- Allyson, PWPL Staff Review
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
The photography is engaging without being over-the-top or overpowering the recipes. Pictures can say 1,000 words, but the recipes need to also speak for themselves, which they do here. After the introduction, she shares about her kitchen and some of her top tool recommendations before leading into recipes. Recipes are organized into 9 chapters from the beginning of the meal to the end: from starters/snacks all the way to desserts and cocktails too. At the end of each food chapter, there’s a “pro tip from my kitchen” two-page spread.
Several recipes include “heads up,” “sourcing savvy,” and “pro tips” for either sourcing ingredients or prep to be done ahead of time (i.e. don’t wait until 30 minutes before dinner to start prepping your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Kebabs as they need to marinate for at least 6 hours and you should use chicken thighs for the best results.)
I haven’t cooked every recipe in this book yet, but the reason I highly recommend it is that several recipes are regular repeats in my rotation: the pizza crust from three-cheese white pizzas with arugula, Baja fish tacos, grilled buffalo chicken kebabs, buttermilk fried chicken tenders (I pair these with waffles), maple, coconut & blueberry granola, spinach & gruyere quiche, and basil pesto.
As I flip through, I see so many more recipes I want to try. This is a reliable resource at the ready. And my favorite library cookbook bonus: it’s available on hoopla, so no need to worry about spilling on the print copy while you’re cooking.
There are also more recipes available on her blog “Once Upon a Chef” including my favorite: restaurant-style salsa. Follow-up reading: her latest cookbook is Weeknight/Weekend, also available via PWPL, which came out in 2021.
- Allyson, PWPL Staff Review
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
February 28, 2019
I first found Jennifer Segal’s recipes on line and found every one was excellent. I’ve been cooking for many years, and stopped buying cooking books with all the great on line recipes, but I made exception for this book because of the quality, consistency, and ease of her recipes and the genuine warmth of her as a person that comes across in her writing. There are recipes in there for both entertaining and impressing your guests as well as everyday meals with your family. Plus, the photos are great, including the one on the dust cover. It’s so colorful and attractive I have it on a book stand on my kitchen counter. This book would make a nice gift for a friend or yourself.
March 18, 2023
I found Jenn Segal from Amazon Kindle Daily Deal. I don't care for ebook cookbooks so I passed but decided to check out her blog. OMG her recipes are fabulous!!!! The chocolate muffins are to die for. Deep rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet. Those are my husband's favorite. He begs me to make those muffins. The blueberry muffins are mine. Overflowing with blueberries and unbelievably tastes just as good the next day. How many muffins taste just as good the next day? Hers do. Her recipes turn out EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. Nothing more disappointing than trying a new recipe and it either taste meh or it's a failure. This chick can cook! She can make you a rock star at meal time. Her Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut Dressing is another new family favorite. I loved her recipes so much I went back and bought the book in hardback. Check out her blog if your bookshelves are overflowing with unused cookbooks. Try a few recipes and then come back and buy the book.
June 19, 2023
I was going to tell people about the ingredients in her odd lasagna soup recipe
and what I did was look up the wrong book, it's her later book!
No wonder I couldn't find it once I did a recipe breakdown...
I didn't realize I rated this one, but didn't do a review....
and thank goodness I didn't do a recipe breakdown twice!
not every main dish stands out, but I think 70% of them are pretty good
and her desserts stand out a bit more too
This book would stand out for someone who does like cooking a lot for the family, because the core ingredients seem to be a very well chosen. So it's pretty involved cooking, but without 87 items in your kitchen to cook everything in this book.
---
Sweet, salty, spicy pecans
kosher salt - cayenne - pecans
Buttery Cajun-spiced popcorn
popcorn - paprika - butter
garlic powder - onion powder - cayenne
Joanne's refrigerator dill pickles
distilled white vinegar - Kirby cucumbers - coriander seeds
mustard seeds - garlic
dried red pepper flakes - dill
Homemade tortilla chips
vegetable oil - cumin - corn tortillas
Chunky pea guacamole with roasted jalapenos
jalapenos - frozen peas - cilantro
avocados - scallions - limes
L'Auberge Chez François herbed cottage cheese spread
cottage cheese - sour cream - shallots
chives or scallions - parsley
Roasted eggplant and chickpea tapenade (
eggplant - chickpeas
pimento-stuffed green olives - roasted red peppers
parsley - cumin - cayenne
Warm caramelized onion & Gruyere dip
Vidalia onion - Gruyere - chives
sour cream - mayonnaise
cream cheese - Worcestershire
Spanakopita rolls
yellow onions - frozen spinach - heavy cream
dill - nutmeg - feta
butter - phyllo dough
Deviled eggs with candied bacon & chives
bacon - apple cider vinegar - eggs
mayonnaise - Worcestershire
cayenne - chives
Ahi tuna poke with avocado & rice crackers
soy sauce - pickled ginger - sesame oil
limes - jalapenos - scallions
sashimi grade ahi tuna - avocados - rice crackers
Maryland-style crab cakes with quick tartar sauce
mayonnaise - Worcestershire - Old Bay seasoning
parsley - crabmeat - panko breadcrumbs
vegetable oil - sweet pickle relish - red onions
Grilled beef satay with peanut sauce
coconut milk - peanut butter - Thai red curry paste
Sriracha sauce - fish sauce - limes
beef flank steaks - soy sauce - dried red pepper flakes
ground coriander - cumin - ground ginger
Golden orange gazpacho with basil
red onions - golden cherry tomatoes - yellow peppers
cucumbers - basil
oranges - hot pepper sauce
Chilled cucumber & yogurt soup
cucumbers - yogurt
mint - dill
Fiery roasted-tomato basil soup
tomatoes - yellow onions - garlic
chicken broth - bay leaves
dried red pepper flakes - basil - heavy cream
Autumn curried carrot & sweet potato soup
yellow onions - curry powder - carrots
sweet potatoes - chicken broth
tart apples - honey
Creamy wild mushroom soup with herbs
shallots - garlic - mixed wild mushrooms
white wine - chicken broth
heavy cream - thyme - sage
Homemade herb croutons
French bread - parsley - thyme
chives - sage - rosemary
Chicken tortilla soup
yellow onion - garlic - green pepper
corn tortillas - cumin - chili powder
chicken broth - cayenne - chicken breasts
Pasta e fagioli [a real challenge to make well]
pancetta - yellow onion - carrots
celery - white wine - chicken broth
cannellini beans - French green lentils - canned tomatoes
bay leaves - rosemary
elbow macaroni pasta - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Hearty beef, barley, & vegetable stoup
beef chuck - yellow onions - celery
tomato paste - beef broth - bay leaves
thyme - pearl barley - carrots
Open-faced bacon, avocado & pickled onion sandwich
bacon - multigrain bread - avocados
mayonnaise - red onions - apple cider vinegar
Pickled red onions
red onions - apple cider vinegar
Smoked Gouda & pesto grilled cheese sandwiches
French bread - smoked Gouda
pine nuts - basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Heirloom tomato salad with burrata, pesto & pine nuts
mixed heirloom tomatoes - burrata cheese
pine nuts - basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Basil pesto
basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano - pine nuts
Black bean & corn salad with chipotle honey vinaigrette
corn - red onion - black beans
red peppers - cilantro - avocado
lime - honey - cumin
oregano - canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
Thai crunch salad with peanut dressing
peanut butter - honey - lime
rice vinegar - soy sauce - fresh ginger
dried red pepper flakes - cilantro
napa cabbage - carrots - red peppers
cucumbers - cooked edamame beans - scallions
Middle Eastern chopped salad with lemon vinaigrette
lemons - cumin - grape tomatoes
yellow peppers - cucumbers - chickpeas
scallions - mint - feta
Celery, toasted walnut & pecorino salad
celery - walnuts
parsley - chives
lemons - pecorino Romano cheese
Arugula with roasted beets, clementines, feta & pistachios
beets - honey
shallots - baby arugula
clementines - feta - unsalted pistachio nuts
Nutty wild rice salad with dried cranberries, apples & orange vinaigrette
wild rice - oranges
apple cider vinegar - honey - pecans
dried cranberries - parsley - celery
tart apples - pepitas - scallions
Creamy grilled lemon chicken salad
chicken breasts - oregano - lemons
mayonnaise - celery - scallions
parsley - thyme - rosemary
Sam & Harry's steak salad with fennel, blue cheese & apple-walnut vinaigrette
walnuts - tart apples - apple cider vinegar
shallots - red onions - beef filets mignons
romaine lettuce - fennel - blue cheese
Spaghetti with kale & walnut pesto
spaghetti pasta - kale - walnuts
pecorino Romano cheese - basil
Fusilli Alfredo aka Aunt Jenn's special pasta
fusilli pasta - butter - heavy cream
Parmigiano-Reggiano - Fontina
Three-cheese white pizzas with arugula
flour - instant yeast
cornmeal - feta
mozzarella - Parmigiano-Reggiano - arugula
Baja fish tacos
red cabbage - red onions - cilantro
apple cider vinegar - mayonnaise - lime
canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce - flour - lager beer
vegetable oil - cod - corn tortillas
Cedar-planked salmon with ancho-brown sugar spice rub [the plank does not add flavor, more about how it cooks]
cedar planks - light brown sugar
ground ancho chiles - cumin - salmon fillets
Pan-seared halibut with cherry tomatoes & basil
cherry tomatoes - halibut fillets - basil
Steamed mussels with Thai green curry broth
mussels - shallots
red peppers - scallions
Thai green curry paste - coconut milk - fish sauce
lime - cilantro - Thai basil
Grilled Buffalo chicken kebabs [interesting]
Frank's RedHot Original - garlic
chile powder - onion powder
dried red pepper flakes - chicken thighs
Smoky barbecued chicken breasts with sweet & tangy barbecue sauce
chicken breasts - cumin - smoked paprika
chili powder - cayenne - ketchup
apple cider vinegar - molasses - Worcestershire
Sweet & tangy barbecue sauce
cumin - smoked paprika
chile powder - ketchup
apple cider vinegar - molasses - Worcestershire
Peruvian chicken with green sauce (Pollo a la brasa)
limes - garlic
paprika - cumin
oregano - whole chicken - jalapeno
cilantro - mayonnaise - sour cream
Buttermilk fried chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce [frozen food chicken appetizers done right]
chicken tenderloins - buttermilk
cayenne - garlic powder - paprika
flour - vegetable oil - mayonnaise
Dijon mustard - honey - apple cider vinegar
Honey mustard sauce
honey - Dijon mustard
apple cider vinegar - mayonnaise
Andouille sausage & shrimp gumbo
andouille sausages - yellow onion
celery - red peppers - chicken broth
tomato paste - Creole seasoning - thyme
bay leaves - shrimp - scallions
Persian kofta with tzatziki
breadcrumbs - yellow onions
lemons - cumin
ground beef - mint - gelatin
yogurt - cucumbers - garlic
Juicy steakhouse burgers aka "Segal burgers" [50s 60s bbq backyard style]
sandwich bread - Worcestershire
ketchup - ground beef - hamburger buns
Valérie's steak au poivre
beef filets mignons - black peppercorns
shallots - Cognac - heavy cream
Moroccan-style brisket with dried fruits & capers [how about some rose petals?]
beef brisket - yellow onion - paprika
cumin - ginger - ground coriander
cinnamon - cayenne - tomato paste
garlic - carrots - dried apricots
prunes - capers - parsley
Roasted corn on the cob with lime-basil butter [well-liked]
limes - basil
butter - corn on the cob
Basmati cilantro rice pilaf
basmati rice - parsley or cilantro
Springtime sautéed asparagus & peas
shallots - asparagus
frozen peas - honey
Cauliflower purée with thyme
chicken broth - cauliflower - thyme
Curried roasted carrots
honey - curry powder - carrots
Butter-braised Brussels sprouts with shallots
shallots - Brussels sprouts
chicken broth - butter
Roasted Swiss chard with feta
Swiss chard - feta - yellow onions
Garlic & herb roasted baby potatoes
garlic - baby potatoes
rosemary - thyme
Broccoli tots
broccoli - instant potato flakes - sharp cheddar
Kale & berry breakfast smoothie
frozen blueberries - frozen raspberries
dates - kale
Stone fruit with ginger-lime syrup & fresh mint
fresh ginger - limes - mint
peaches - plums - nectarines
Maple, coconut & blueberry granola
maple syrup - cinnamon
old-fashioned oats - pecans - slivered almonds
unsweetened flaked coconut - dried blueberries
Peanut butter granola bars [not a bad recipe]
dates - honey - peanut butter
old-fashioned oats - Rice Krispies
dry-roasted peanuts - pecans - flax meal
Addictive almond biscotti
flour - yellow cornmeal
anise seed - butter
sugar - almond extract - slivered almonds
Blueberry scones with tart lemon glaze
flour - blueberries - heavy cream
confectioner's sugar - lemon
Chocolate-banana muffins with pecan streusel [very 1960s coffee table stuff]
flour - cocoa powder - cinnamon
butter - sugar - bananas
yogurt - mini chocolate chips - pecans
Banana pancakes
flour - bananas - milk
Baked bourbon French toast with praline topping
eggs - half and half cream
bourbon - challah bread
butter - light corn syrup - pecans
Smoked salmon spread [better than Kraft]
cream cheese - sour cream
mayonnaise - capers - Tabasco
smoked salmon - dill - chives
Creamy scrambled eggs with dill & chives
eggs - chives - dill
Savory ham & cheese waffles
flour - milk - butter
ham - sharp cheddar
Spinach & Gruyère quiche
frozen pie crust - shallots
eggs - heavy cream - nutmeg
cayenne - Gruyere - frozen spinach
Sausage & cheddar bread pudding
pork sausages - yellow onions
sandwich bread [pain de mie with scalded milk] - sharp cheddar
parsley - eggs - half and half cream
Soft & fluffy pull-apart dinner rolls [sounds like those 50s-80s pillsbury bake-off books]
flour - instant potato flakes
dry milk - instant yeast
Braided honey challah
honey - flour
instant yeast - eggs
Cinnamon swirl bread
flour - instant yeast
milk - cinnamon
Salt-crusted currant & walnut rye bread
rye flour - flour
instant yeast - caraway seeds
dried currants - walnuts - kosher salt
0=
Almost Southern buttermilk biscuits
flour - butter - buttermilk
Buttermilk [they know the secret!]
milk - lemons
Monterey Jack & jalapeno cornbread
flour - yellow cornmeal - honey
jalapenos - butter - Monterey Jack
Mini savory cheddar Dijon scones [cheese and mustard is edgy and daring]
heavy cream - Dijon mustard
cake flour - sharp cheddar cheese - chives
Garlic & herb ciabatta
garlic - parsley - ciabatta bread
No-churn cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker-pecan crumble [basically 1970s Royal packaged cheesecake done right]
heavy cream - cream cheese - sour cream
sugar - lemons
graham crackers - pecans
Red, white & blue summer berry trifle [nicely done]
strawberries - raspberries - blueberries
seedless raspberry jam - heavy cream - cream cheese
confectioner's sugar - ladyfingers
Persian lime "Key lime" pie [pretty much basic]
graham crackers - condensed milk
yogurt - limes - heavy cream
Old-fashioned ginger spice cookies [nicely done]
flour - ginger - cinnamon
allspice - cloves
butter - molasses - raw sugar
Toffee almond sandies [nicely done - almost like Almond Roca]
flour - whole wheat flour - butter
sugar - confectioner's sugar - vegetable oil
almond extract - slivered almonds - English toffee bits
Apple-oat-pecan crisp
pecans - old-fashioned oats - tart apples
Chocolate croissant bread pudding
croissants - dark chocolate - eggs
half and half cream - sugar - bourbon
Chocolate buttercrunch with sea salt
pecans - butter - sugar
light corn syrup - dark chocolate - sea salt flakes
Indoor s'mores [never understood the fascination]
graham crackers - heavy cream - dark chocolate
milk chocolate - egg white - butter
Luscious lemon squares
butter - sugar - lemons
Sticky butterscotch banana cake
flour - butter - bananas
heavy cream - light corn syrup - pecans
Glazed pumpkin pound cake
flour - nutmeg - cinnamon
cloves - ginger - sugar
canned pumpkin purée - confectioner's sugar - butter
Honey's coconut cupcakes
coconut milk - flour - butter
sugar - eggs - sweetened shredded coconut
cream cheese - confectioner's sugar
Chocolate lover's birthday cake
flour - sugar - cocoa powder
sour cream - dark chocolate - butter
confectioner's sugar - light corn syrup
Sparkling white sangria with nectarines, oranges & frozen grapes
brandy - Grand Marnier - icing sugar
oranges - lime - apple
nectarines - white sparkling wine
lemon-lime soda - grapes
Pink vodka lemonade
strawberries - lemons
sugar - lemon vodka
Kir royale
creme de cassis - dry Champagne - raspberries
Mojito jelly shot
sugar - gelatin
limes - mint
White Russian milk shake
vodka - Kahlua - vanilla ice cream
Boozy hot chocolate
milk - heavy cream
cocoa powder - dark chocolate - whiskey
and what I did was look up the wrong book, it's her later book!
No wonder I couldn't find it once I did a recipe breakdown...
I didn't realize I rated this one, but didn't do a review....
and thank goodness I didn't do a recipe breakdown twice!
not every main dish stands out, but I think 70% of them are pretty good
and her desserts stand out a bit more too
This book would stand out for someone who does like cooking a lot for the family, because the core ingredients seem to be a very well chosen. So it's pretty involved cooking, but without 87 items in your kitchen to cook everything in this book.
---
Sweet, salty, spicy pecans
kosher salt - cayenne - pecans
Buttery Cajun-spiced popcorn
popcorn - paprika - butter
garlic powder - onion powder - cayenne
Joanne's refrigerator dill pickles
distilled white vinegar - Kirby cucumbers - coriander seeds
mustard seeds - garlic
dried red pepper flakes - dill
Homemade tortilla chips
vegetable oil - cumin - corn tortillas
Chunky pea guacamole with roasted jalapenos
jalapenos - frozen peas - cilantro
avocados - scallions - limes
L'Auberge Chez François herbed cottage cheese spread
cottage cheese - sour cream - shallots
chives or scallions - parsley
Roasted eggplant and chickpea tapenade (
eggplant - chickpeas
pimento-stuffed green olives - roasted red peppers
parsley - cumin - cayenne
Warm caramelized onion & Gruyere dip
Vidalia onion - Gruyere - chives
sour cream - mayonnaise
cream cheese - Worcestershire
Spanakopita rolls
yellow onions - frozen spinach - heavy cream
dill - nutmeg - feta
butter - phyllo dough
Deviled eggs with candied bacon & chives
bacon - apple cider vinegar - eggs
mayonnaise - Worcestershire
cayenne - chives
Ahi tuna poke with avocado & rice crackers
soy sauce - pickled ginger - sesame oil
limes - jalapenos - scallions
sashimi grade ahi tuna - avocados - rice crackers
Maryland-style crab cakes with quick tartar sauce
mayonnaise - Worcestershire - Old Bay seasoning
parsley - crabmeat - panko breadcrumbs
vegetable oil - sweet pickle relish - red onions
Grilled beef satay with peanut sauce
coconut milk - peanut butter - Thai red curry paste
Sriracha sauce - fish sauce - limes
beef flank steaks - soy sauce - dried red pepper flakes
ground coriander - cumin - ground ginger
Golden orange gazpacho with basil
red onions - golden cherry tomatoes - yellow peppers
cucumbers - basil
oranges - hot pepper sauce
Chilled cucumber & yogurt soup
cucumbers - yogurt
mint - dill
Fiery roasted-tomato basil soup
tomatoes - yellow onions - garlic
chicken broth - bay leaves
dried red pepper flakes - basil - heavy cream
Autumn curried carrot & sweet potato soup
yellow onions - curry powder - carrots
sweet potatoes - chicken broth
tart apples - honey
Creamy wild mushroom soup with herbs
shallots - garlic - mixed wild mushrooms
white wine - chicken broth
heavy cream - thyme - sage
Homemade herb croutons
French bread - parsley - thyme
chives - sage - rosemary
Chicken tortilla soup
yellow onion - garlic - green pepper
corn tortillas - cumin - chili powder
chicken broth - cayenne - chicken breasts
Pasta e fagioli [a real challenge to make well]
pancetta - yellow onion - carrots
celery - white wine - chicken broth
cannellini beans - French green lentils - canned tomatoes
bay leaves - rosemary
elbow macaroni pasta - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Hearty beef, barley, & vegetable stoup
beef chuck - yellow onions - celery
tomato paste - beef broth - bay leaves
thyme - pearl barley - carrots
Open-faced bacon, avocado & pickled onion sandwich
bacon - multigrain bread - avocados
mayonnaise - red onions - apple cider vinegar
Pickled red onions
red onions - apple cider vinegar
Smoked Gouda & pesto grilled cheese sandwiches
French bread - smoked Gouda
pine nuts - basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Heirloom tomato salad with burrata, pesto & pine nuts
mixed heirloom tomatoes - burrata cheese
pine nuts - basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano
Basil pesto
basil - Parmigiano-Reggiano - pine nuts
Black bean & corn salad with chipotle honey vinaigrette
corn - red onion - black beans
red peppers - cilantro - avocado
lime - honey - cumin
oregano - canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
Thai crunch salad with peanut dressing
peanut butter - honey - lime
rice vinegar - soy sauce - fresh ginger
dried red pepper flakes - cilantro
napa cabbage - carrots - red peppers
cucumbers - cooked edamame beans - scallions
Middle Eastern chopped salad with lemon vinaigrette
lemons - cumin - grape tomatoes
yellow peppers - cucumbers - chickpeas
scallions - mint - feta
Celery, toasted walnut & pecorino salad
celery - walnuts
parsley - chives
lemons - pecorino Romano cheese
Arugula with roasted beets, clementines, feta & pistachios
beets - honey
shallots - baby arugula
clementines - feta - unsalted pistachio nuts
Nutty wild rice salad with dried cranberries, apples & orange vinaigrette
wild rice - oranges
apple cider vinegar - honey - pecans
dried cranberries - parsley - celery
tart apples - pepitas - scallions
Creamy grilled lemon chicken salad
chicken breasts - oregano - lemons
mayonnaise - celery - scallions
parsley - thyme - rosemary
Sam & Harry's steak salad with fennel, blue cheese & apple-walnut vinaigrette
walnuts - tart apples - apple cider vinegar
shallots - red onions - beef filets mignons
romaine lettuce - fennel - blue cheese
Spaghetti with kale & walnut pesto
spaghetti pasta - kale - walnuts
pecorino Romano cheese - basil
Fusilli Alfredo aka Aunt Jenn's special pasta
fusilli pasta - butter - heavy cream
Parmigiano-Reggiano - Fontina
Three-cheese white pizzas with arugula
flour - instant yeast
cornmeal - feta
mozzarella - Parmigiano-Reggiano - arugula
Baja fish tacos
red cabbage - red onions - cilantro
apple cider vinegar - mayonnaise - lime
canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce - flour - lager beer
vegetable oil - cod - corn tortillas
Cedar-planked salmon with ancho-brown sugar spice rub [the plank does not add flavor, more about how it cooks]
cedar planks - light brown sugar
ground ancho chiles - cumin - salmon fillets
Pan-seared halibut with cherry tomatoes & basil
cherry tomatoes - halibut fillets - basil
Steamed mussels with Thai green curry broth
mussels - shallots
red peppers - scallions
Thai green curry paste - coconut milk - fish sauce
lime - cilantro - Thai basil
Grilled Buffalo chicken kebabs [interesting]
Frank's RedHot Original - garlic
chile powder - onion powder
dried red pepper flakes - chicken thighs
Smoky barbecued chicken breasts with sweet & tangy barbecue sauce
chicken breasts - cumin - smoked paprika
chili powder - cayenne - ketchup
apple cider vinegar - molasses - Worcestershire
Sweet & tangy barbecue sauce
cumin - smoked paprika
chile powder - ketchup
apple cider vinegar - molasses - Worcestershire
Peruvian chicken with green sauce (Pollo a la brasa)
limes - garlic
paprika - cumin
oregano - whole chicken - jalapeno
cilantro - mayonnaise - sour cream
Buttermilk fried chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce [frozen food chicken appetizers done right]
chicken tenderloins - buttermilk
cayenne - garlic powder - paprika
flour - vegetable oil - mayonnaise
Dijon mustard - honey - apple cider vinegar
Honey mustard sauce
honey - Dijon mustard
apple cider vinegar - mayonnaise
Andouille sausage & shrimp gumbo
andouille sausages - yellow onion
celery - red peppers - chicken broth
tomato paste - Creole seasoning - thyme
bay leaves - shrimp - scallions
Persian kofta with tzatziki
breadcrumbs - yellow onions
lemons - cumin
ground beef - mint - gelatin
yogurt - cucumbers - garlic
Juicy steakhouse burgers aka "Segal burgers" [50s 60s bbq backyard style]
sandwich bread - Worcestershire
ketchup - ground beef - hamburger buns
Valérie's steak au poivre
beef filets mignons - black peppercorns
shallots - Cognac - heavy cream
Moroccan-style brisket with dried fruits & capers [how about some rose petals?]
beef brisket - yellow onion - paprika
cumin - ginger - ground coriander
cinnamon - cayenne - tomato paste
garlic - carrots - dried apricots
prunes - capers - parsley
Roasted corn on the cob with lime-basil butter [well-liked]
limes - basil
butter - corn on the cob
Basmati cilantro rice pilaf
basmati rice - parsley or cilantro
Springtime sautéed asparagus & peas
shallots - asparagus
frozen peas - honey
Cauliflower purée with thyme
chicken broth - cauliflower - thyme
Curried roasted carrots
honey - curry powder - carrots
Butter-braised Brussels sprouts with shallots
shallots - Brussels sprouts
chicken broth - butter
Roasted Swiss chard with feta
Swiss chard - feta - yellow onions
Garlic & herb roasted baby potatoes
garlic - baby potatoes
rosemary - thyme
Broccoli tots
broccoli - instant potato flakes - sharp cheddar
Kale & berry breakfast smoothie
frozen blueberries - frozen raspberries
dates - kale
Stone fruit with ginger-lime syrup & fresh mint
fresh ginger - limes - mint
peaches - plums - nectarines
Maple, coconut & blueberry granola
maple syrup - cinnamon
old-fashioned oats - pecans - slivered almonds
unsweetened flaked coconut - dried blueberries
Peanut butter granola bars [not a bad recipe]
dates - honey - peanut butter
old-fashioned oats - Rice Krispies
dry-roasted peanuts - pecans - flax meal
Addictive almond biscotti
flour - yellow cornmeal
anise seed - butter
sugar - almond extract - slivered almonds
Blueberry scones with tart lemon glaze
flour - blueberries - heavy cream
confectioner's sugar - lemon
Chocolate-banana muffins with pecan streusel [very 1960s coffee table stuff]
flour - cocoa powder - cinnamon
butter - sugar - bananas
yogurt - mini chocolate chips - pecans
Banana pancakes
flour - bananas - milk
Baked bourbon French toast with praline topping
eggs - half and half cream
bourbon - challah bread
butter - light corn syrup - pecans
Smoked salmon spread [better than Kraft]
cream cheese - sour cream
mayonnaise - capers - Tabasco
smoked salmon - dill - chives
Creamy scrambled eggs with dill & chives
eggs - chives - dill
Savory ham & cheese waffles
flour - milk - butter
ham - sharp cheddar
Spinach & Gruyère quiche
frozen pie crust - shallots
eggs - heavy cream - nutmeg
cayenne - Gruyere - frozen spinach
Sausage & cheddar bread pudding
pork sausages - yellow onions
sandwich bread [pain de mie with scalded milk] - sharp cheddar
parsley - eggs - half and half cream
Soft & fluffy pull-apart dinner rolls [sounds like those 50s-80s pillsbury bake-off books]
flour - instant potato flakes
dry milk - instant yeast
Braided honey challah
honey - flour
instant yeast - eggs
Cinnamon swirl bread
flour - instant yeast
milk - cinnamon
Salt-crusted currant & walnut rye bread
rye flour - flour
instant yeast - caraway seeds
dried currants - walnuts - kosher salt
0=
Almost Southern buttermilk biscuits
flour - butter - buttermilk
Buttermilk [they know the secret!]
milk - lemons
Monterey Jack & jalapeno cornbread
flour - yellow cornmeal - honey
jalapenos - butter - Monterey Jack
Mini savory cheddar Dijon scones [cheese and mustard is edgy and daring]
heavy cream - Dijon mustard
cake flour - sharp cheddar cheese - chives
Garlic & herb ciabatta
garlic - parsley - ciabatta bread
No-churn cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker-pecan crumble [basically 1970s Royal packaged cheesecake done right]
heavy cream - cream cheese - sour cream
sugar - lemons
graham crackers - pecans
Red, white & blue summer berry trifle [nicely done]
strawberries - raspberries - blueberries
seedless raspberry jam - heavy cream - cream cheese
confectioner's sugar - ladyfingers
Persian lime "Key lime" pie [pretty much basic]
graham crackers - condensed milk
yogurt - limes - heavy cream
Old-fashioned ginger spice cookies [nicely done]
flour - ginger - cinnamon
allspice - cloves
butter - molasses - raw sugar
Toffee almond sandies [nicely done - almost like Almond Roca]
flour - whole wheat flour - butter
sugar - confectioner's sugar - vegetable oil
almond extract - slivered almonds - English toffee bits
Apple-oat-pecan crisp
pecans - old-fashioned oats - tart apples
Chocolate croissant bread pudding
croissants - dark chocolate - eggs
half and half cream - sugar - bourbon
Chocolate buttercrunch with sea salt
pecans - butter - sugar
light corn syrup - dark chocolate - sea salt flakes
Indoor s'mores [never understood the fascination]
graham crackers - heavy cream - dark chocolate
milk chocolate - egg white - butter
Luscious lemon squares
butter - sugar - lemons
Sticky butterscotch banana cake
flour - butter - bananas
heavy cream - light corn syrup - pecans
Glazed pumpkin pound cake
flour - nutmeg - cinnamon
cloves - ginger - sugar
canned pumpkin purée - confectioner's sugar - butter
Honey's coconut cupcakes
coconut milk - flour - butter
sugar - eggs - sweetened shredded coconut
cream cheese - confectioner's sugar
Chocolate lover's birthday cake
flour - sugar - cocoa powder
sour cream - dark chocolate - butter
confectioner's sugar - light corn syrup
Sparkling white sangria with nectarines, oranges & frozen grapes
brandy - Grand Marnier - icing sugar
oranges - lime - apple
nectarines - white sparkling wine
lemon-lime soda - grapes
Pink vodka lemonade
strawberries - lemons
sugar - lemon vodka
Kir royale
creme de cassis - dry Champagne - raspberries
Mojito jelly shot
sugar - gelatin
limes - mint
White Russian milk shake
vodka - Kahlua - vanilla ice cream
Boozy hot chocolate
milk - heavy cream
cocoa powder - dark chocolate - whiskey
November 28, 2021
I don't often rate cookbooks. I mean do you really read the entire book? But, this one? Yeah, I've pretty much read the entire book and made many, many recipes from it. It has become one of my go-to cookbooks when I need a quick dinner recipe that I know everyone will enjoy.
These recipes are not complex and most of the ingredients you'll have on hand. That's a definite plus as far as I'm concerned. Nutritionally, these are good, too. Jenn is a professional, culinary school-trained chef who has worked in fancy restaurants. Creating recipes is a passion for her and her recipes must pass several hurdles before they make it into her repertoire or cookbooks. Her inspiration comes from many different places. Her recipes are made from basic recipes that are well-tested and solid yet easily adapted. All of which I feel makes her recipes ideal for a busy family.
These recipes are not complex and most of the ingredients you'll have on hand. That's a definite plus as far as I'm concerned. Nutritionally, these are good, too. Jenn is a professional, culinary school-trained chef who has worked in fancy restaurants. Creating recipes is a passion for her and her recipes must pass several hurdles before they make it into her repertoire or cookbooks. Her inspiration comes from many different places. Her recipes are made from basic recipes that are well-tested and solid yet easily adapted. All of which I feel makes her recipes ideal for a busy family.
August 19, 2018
Really beautiful food photography, but not a cookbook for the cookbook obsessed. There are no recipes in here that you will not find elsewhere, and seasonings tend to be on the minimalist side (an "ancho brown sugar spice rub" is literally just ancho chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar, for example). I might recommend this for someone looking for a variety of solid but basic recipes.
February 27, 2019
Definitely my most cooked-from cookbook in 2018! Good homey food, nothing too crazy, beautiful pictures. Some favorite recipes at our house: Pasta e Fagioli, Honey Chipotle Black Bean Salad, Gumbo, Almond Biscotti.
May 17, 2018
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. This cookbook is full of a variety of recipes. There are also pages of special instruction. The photo's are great with step by step photo's and instruction on recipes that require a process such as rolling dough, cutting dough. The instructions are easy to follow. I would recommend this book and I think it would be an awesome idea for a gift book for a bridal shower.
February 19, 2022
I’ve given this book 5 stars without cooking one thing in it. But I have bookmarked so many pages it has to be good.
Read
December 31, 2024My god, so many of these cookbooks are alike
September 18, 2018
Jennifer Segal went to culinary school and worked in professional kitchens, but found the professional kitchen atmosphere very stressful and overwhelming. She stopped cooking professionally once she had children, but still loved to cook. After starting a children's cake business she decided to start a blog and use her professional cooking skills to help others learn to cook quick, but good meals. Once her blog took off she had the opportunity to create this cookbook. And there are SO MANY great recipe ideas that this is one I might have to buy! There are so many easy, but delicious looking recipes I want to try. The cookbook is organized like many cookbooks with starters/snacks, salads, main dishes, etc. but with each recipe there are "pro tips" and "sourcing" ideas for how to source the best quality ingredients. There are also a few pages between each chapter with "pro tips from my kitchen" talking about something that is common knowledge to professional chefs, but might not be to home cooks. Overall, a VERY impressive cookbook. I'm looking forward to trying some of these recipes!
October 5, 2018
I was introduced to Jennifer Segal's baking through her grandmother's recipe for mandelbrot/biscotti. I thought biscotti was hard to make, but Segal's recipe was easy to follow. After I made a modified version of her late summer plum cake, I decided to take a look at her cookbook. Just about all of her recipes are straightforward and delicious. Even the more "exotic" dishes are down to earth -- like the Thai crunch salad with peanut dressing, whose ingredients you can find in any good supermarket. Even the more time-consuming dishes, such as the Maryland-style crab cakes with quick tartar sauce (I make these cakes with cod) and the fiery roasted-tomato basil soup, do not require a hunt for ingredients you've never heard of before. The recipes will appeal to seasoned home cooks as well as to beginners. One of Segal's most scrumptious meals is probably the easiest to make: Smoked gouda & pesto grilled cheese sandwiches. Wish I could eat it every day.
September 6, 2020
Ok this cookbook is the best! I found this author through a food blog and consistently went back for more recipe ideas with great success, so that’s what prompted me to get her book. I usually don’t go for cookbooks in general because I will at most go to them for a few things I like, and then these huge bricks will just take up room on my shelf. This one is great though, I’ve already tried a handful of things from it and have my eye on more things to try in the future! The recipes I have tried are reliably good and well thought out 🍽😋
April 15, 2019
Just what I want from a cookbook!!
I enjoyed reading it and can't wait to cook!
I love the helpful tips and the casual way it was written.
I enjoyed reading it and can't wait to cook!
I love the helpful tips and the casual way it was written.
January 23, 2019
Segal who once worked in restaurants and then started her blog, once upon a chef, wrote this cookbook to provide really good recipes to home cooks like those who regularly read her blog. She starts with an equipment primer that is good for the beginning cook. Recipes tend to the basic as do the color pictures that appear with most dishes. Recipes are clearly written and very specific but not rigid. She might tell you about how many pulses in the food processor but will also suggest that popcorn can be done on the stove or microwave. Segal includes pro tips and sourcing advice with most recipes. Pictures showing techniques are also included for more complex techniques. And, where possible, she utilizes store ready ingredients like store bought pesto, which make some dishes super easy if not particularly special (some people might balk at a grilled cheese “recipe” that includes Gouda, bread, pesto and butter).
Practical cookbook that doesn’t require much in the way of previous cooking experience, prep or time.
Practical cookbook that doesn’t require much in the way of previous cooking experience, prep or time.
May 13, 2018
I bought this while browsing in a bookstore on vacation because everything looked fresh, delicious and uncomplicated. I read it through on the plane ride home and can’t wait to try everything in it. The intros and side tips she includes are all helpful. There is nothing earth-shatteringly different in the recipes but enough variations and twists on dishes my family likes that it will definitely help me freshen up my weekly cooking rut. And so far so good. I could eat the entire platter of burrata and tomato salad with pesto & pine nuts by myself. My daughter easily made the chocolate croissant bread pudding as part of my mother’s day breakfast and everyone loved it. I can’t wait to work my way through so many other recipes - I can tell this cookbook will be in major rotation in my kitchen.
July 3, 2018
I have been following Jenn Segal online for several years. I was first attracted to her blog when looking for a recipe for hearty soups. I was immediately drawn to the colourful pictures and easy to follow directions with great tips sprinkled throughout. All of the recipes I have tried over the years have turned out perfectly and were equally loved by family and friends. When Jenn announced that she was writing a cook book, many of her blog fans were very happy. This cook book does NOT disappoint! I love the "pro tips" written at the side of recipes. Jenn also give great make ahead and pairing guidelines. The pictures are wonderful and accurate. (Although mine don't have the artistic display) Great food. Great Book for the seasoned or newly minted cook.
Thank you Jenn.
Thank you Jenn.
January 3, 2021
I love reading cookbooks. They really just make me happy.
What I loved: Lots of pictures (since we eat with our eyes first), detailed instructions, no crazy or hard to find ingredients. Lots of different takes on salads and side dishes.
What I didn't love: Lots of sugar and cornstarch throughout the recipes. *However* I found that the recipes should be easy to modify to swap sugar or starch, or in the case of our family, to make things dairy free.
My kids were reading this over my shoulder and even found recipes they thought sounded good or wanted to try, so that automatically makes this cookbook a good investment! I'm anxious to try out some recipes!
What I loved: Lots of pictures (since we eat with our eyes first), detailed instructions, no crazy or hard to find ingredients. Lots of different takes on salads and side dishes.
What I didn't love: Lots of sugar and cornstarch throughout the recipes. *However* I found that the recipes should be easy to modify to swap sugar or starch, or in the case of our family, to make things dairy free.
My kids were reading this over my shoulder and even found recipes they thought sounded good or wanted to try, so that automatically makes this cookbook a good investment! I'm anxious to try out some recipes!
Read
August 25, 2019Once Upon A Chef: 100 Tested, Perfected, and Family-Approved Recipes
by Jennifer Segal
2018
Chronicle Books
4.0 / 5.0
Featuring Soups, Salads, main dishes, Cocktails, this also has sections for most chapters that feature tips for using scraps and general cooking tips. This is full of family, food and good recipes.
I hope to try
Sweet and Salty Pecans
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Thai Crunchy Salad with Peanut Dressing
Banana Butterscotch Cake
Moroccan Style Brisket
I found this free on Prime!! Definitely worth checking out.
by Jennifer Segal
2018
Chronicle Books
4.0 / 5.0
Featuring Soups, Salads, main dishes, Cocktails, this also has sections for most chapters that feature tips for using scraps and general cooking tips. This is full of family, food and good recipes.
I hope to try
Sweet and Salty Pecans
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Thai Crunchy Salad with Peanut Dressing
Banana Butterscotch Cake
Moroccan Style Brisket
I found this free on Prime!! Definitely worth checking out.
May 23, 2018
This is a beautiful cookbook filled with a variety of delicious recipes. I love that there are traditional recipes as well as twists on the classics. The first recipe I tried was the "Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon and Chives." I love to make deviled eggs as an appetizer, and this recipe was a delectable twist on a favorite. I also love that Segal includes Pro Tips in the margins, and I can't wait to work my way through this gorgeous cookbook.
May 29, 2019
This met every expectation I have for an excellent cookbook: a photo for every recipe, a short interesting story for every recipe, side dish recommendations for each, easy to find ingredients, kid friendly, options for dairy and gluten free, entertaining ideas, cooking tips, and the book itself lies flat on the counter for easy viewing while cooking. I got it at the library, but I will definitely be getting a copy for my shelves.
November 2, 2019
I've been following Once Upon a Chef for a few years now via her email blog/recipe posts. I was pleasantly surprised when I found this easy to use and in perfect condition cookbook in a Free Little Library (what a great way to share cookbooks) and I'll be keeping this one as the pictures, descriptions and recipes are all easy to follow and helps give some guidance to get as much processed food out ones diet.
Ps.
I put a different cookbook that I no longer had need for into the same FLL.
Ps.
I put a different cookbook that I no longer had need for into the same FLL.
June 29, 2020
Segal seems lucky that her "picky" family doesn't seem very picky. While these recipes weren't super complicated, they seemed more like an attempt to convince a young family to eat more upscale meals, not a recipe book made for families (they might not have a stay-at-home parent) with varied tastes and willingness to experiment. That said, I appreciated her drinks and dessert sections. I will probably use a handful of recipes out of this book so for an online deal I guess that's fine.
June 19, 2021
Jen Segal is one of two individuals who I totally trust when reading her recipes. I have made dozens of her on line recipes and have never had a dud. Her recipes are tested and retested and if I even see a Once Upon A Chef recipe, I save it. I have already preordered her new cookbook which will be out in the Fall of 2021. I rarely buy cookbooks any more, since many recipes never get made. Jennifer Segal is a rare exception.
April 7, 2022
I’ve been following this local former chef’s blog at onceuponachef.com for quite a few years now and have saved and made a handful of really great recipes from it. This was her first cookbook, which I wanted to check out from the library before buying. I found the main recipes either too boring sounding or to be ones I had already made from the site. However, the dessert and cocktails sections have a lot of very promising selections. I’ll save those and stick to the blog for future recipes.
April 24, 2018
This cookbook comes from the online website which I have been following for a couple of years. I pre-ordered it because her recipes are so easy to follow, and are delicious but not so super fancy that I am intimidated by them. I can’t wait to try so many of the recipes in the book, and I recommend anyone who wants to broaden their repertoire of cookbooks get this one!
June 3, 2018
I received this cookbook as part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. It's a beautiful book with bright, colorful photographs. I love cookbooks that let me see what the recipe will look like (even if mine would look nearly that pretty). There are a wide range of recipes and they all look delicious. I can't wait to start cooking!
June 5, 2018
Beautiful cookbook with lovely pictures of each recipe. They aren't too complicated and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The cookbook definitely has a more modern bent with ingredients like kale, pesto etc. frequently used. There are some old favorites, though, and there are definitely some keepers among the recipes.
April 20, 2019
I was given this book as a gift. I’ve made 3 dinners from it so far with accompanying side dishes. The meals were pretty well received by my picky eaters, but I found the recipes to be a bit complex for quick week night dinners. They require lots of kitchen gadgets (blender or food processor) and I did a couple of marinates that had to be made the night before.
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