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Fast & Easy Dinner: Pissaladière

partysugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:31 -0700

Tonight, think like the people of Southern France and serve your family a crisp, flavorful, and classic pissaladière. With its flaky crust and savory toppings, pissaladière is similar to a pizza without cheese or sauce. Instead the puff pastry is covered with sweet caramelized onions, fragrant fresh herbs, and nutty, salty anchovies. Ripe tomatoes and briny olives, traditional ingredients native to Nice, finish off the tart. Serve this dish with a mixed green salad and a glass of chilled Chardonnay. For the recipe, read more.

Pissaladèire
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 sprigs thyme, plus 1 tablespoon leaves
1 sprig rosemary
Salt and pepper
One 2-ounce can anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained and coarsely chopped
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
16 pitted small niçoise olives, halved lengthwise
16 grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

Directions

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and the thyme and rosemary sprigs; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, partially covered and stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and browned, about 25 minutes. Discard the herb sprigs and fold in the anchovies and thyme leaves.
Meanwhile, place the puff pastry on a 1-foot-long sheet of parchment paper and roll out to form a 10 1/2-inch square. Transfer to a baking sheet. Using a fork, prick the pastry all over, leaving a 1-inch border. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Brush the pastry border with the egg wash. Spread the onions evenly over the center of the pastry and sprinkle with the olives and tomatoes. Bake until the edges are golden and the bottom is browned, about 20 minutes. Slice into quarters; serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 4.

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Say Cheese! Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts

partysugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:55:37 -0700

Earlier today I teased your tastebuds with a goat cheese quiz, so it's only fair to share my current favorite goat cheese recipe: tomato and goat cheese tarts. Goat's milk has a high amount of fatty acids (much more than cow's milk) that provide the cheese with its characteristic tart flavor.

Goat cheese most commonly comes in a soft, spreadable, crumbly form, although there are hard aged varieties that have a consistency more like feta. Since goats are hardy animals that can survive in areas where cows cannot - parts of the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean - goat cheese is the world's most widely consumed cheese.

I love the salty and creamy flavor of goat cheese and almost always have it in my refrigerator. To see how I paired the tangy cheese with ripe tomatoes to make this easy tart, read more.

I'm a huge fan of Barefoot Contessa's recipes, and this is another winner! The tart dough is simply puff pastry, but she adds layers of flavor with caramelized onions, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. I've served this tart many times, both as a main course and a side dish, in individual portions and as a slab. Sliced into smaller pieces it could even work as an appetizer.

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
From Ina Garten

Ingredients

1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) puff pastry, defrosted
Good olive oil
4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (2 large onions)
3 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, plus 2 ounces shaved with a vegetable peeler
4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese (recommended: Montrachet)
1 large tomato, cut into 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices
3 tablespoons julienned basil leaves

Directions

Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11 by 11-inch square. Using a 6-inch wide saucer or other round object as a guide, cut 2 circles from the sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat with the second pastry sheet to make 4 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on 2 sheet pans lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to low heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp and there is almost no moisture remaining in the skillet.
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the wine, and thyme and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from the heat.
Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.
Place 1/4 of the onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge.
Crumble 1 ounce of goat cheese on top of the onions.
Place a slice of tomato in the center of each tart. Brush the tomato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. Finally, scatter 4 or 5 shards of Parmesan on each tart.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. The bottom sheet pan may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Serve hot or warm.

Makes 4 individual tarts.

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Come Party With Me: Outdoor Concert - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:31 -0700

Picture this: it's that wonderful time of day when the sun has just set and the weather is perfectly comfortable. You're enjoying the merry sounds of a symphony. After devouring a delectable steak sandwich and tomato salad, you are satisfied, but desire something sweet. Your wish comes true when you take one last look into the picnic basket and see, individually wrapped in parchment paper and tied with satin ribbons, luscious apricot tarts. You pass them out to your friends who marvel at your culinary creativeness. Doesn't that sound like fun?! Thanks to this fabulous recipe, you can live that scenario in the near future. If apricots aren't your cup of tea, substitute cherries, peaches, plums - whatever floats your fancy. Check out the recipe.

Come Party With Me: Farmers Market Feast - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:00:27 -0700

This week, why not invite some friends over for dinner on the patio? Serve an easy vegetarian meal inspired by the fresh produce found at the local farmers market. The menu starts with goat cheese topped with an olive-thyme mixture.

A savory tart layered with tomatoes, roasted garlic, and fontina cheese is a simple but stunning centerpiece. Instead of serving a boring salad, pair the tart with an equally exciting side: warm Summer vegetable salad with brown butter dressing. Sound scrumptious? Get the recipes when you read more.

Goat Cheese With Olives, Lemon, and Thyme
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1/2 cup assorted olives
3 fresh thyme sprigs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 (4- to 5-ounce) fresh goat-cheese medallion or 2 (2-ounces) goat-cheese buttons
Flatbread, crackers, or crostini for serving

Directions

Heat olives, thyme, oil, zest, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat until fragrant (do not simmer). Cool to room temperature.
Serve olive mixture over goat cheese.

Serves 4.

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Tomato Tart
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 head garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1/2 disk of pie dough, homemade or store bought
2 ounces Italian fontina cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 pounds firm but ripe tomatoes (4 medium), cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Wrap to enclose garlic in foil, and place on a small baking sheet.
Bake until soft and golden brown and the tip of a knife easily pierces the flesh, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.
Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees. When garlic is cool enough to handle, using either your hands or the dull end of a large knife, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and into a small bowl; mash with a fork, and set aside. Discard the papery skins.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 1/8-inch-thick circle, about 12 inches in diameter. With a dry pastry brush, brush off the excess flour; roll the dough around the rolling pin, and lift it over a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Line the pan with the dough, pressing it into the corners. Trim the dough so that it is flush with the edges; transfer to the refrigerator to chill, about 30 minutes.
Spread roasted garlic evenly on the chilled crust. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Arrange the tomatoes on top of the cheese, in an overlapping circular pattern. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Transfer to oven.
Reduce temperature to 400 degrees. and bake until crust is golden and tomatoes are soft but still retain their shape, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool for 20 minutes, and serve warm.

Serves 8.

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Warm Summer Vegetable Salad With Brown Butter Dressing
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

2 small leeks or 16 baby leeks, white and tender green parts only, halved and washed
1/2 pound green beans
4 cups baby arugula (2 ounces)
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup Moscatel, white balsamic or late-harvest wine vinegar
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
16 small radishes, quartered
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup small or torn mint leaves

Directions

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the leeks, cover and simmer over low heat until tender, about 10 minutes (3 minutes for baby leeks). Using a slotted spoon, transfer the leeks to paper towels to drain. Cut the leeks lengthwise into long, thin strands.
Add the beans to the saucepan. Cook until just tender, 4 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
Put the arugula in a large bowl. In a large skillet, heat the butter and cook over moderately high heat until richly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the leeks, green beans, vinegar, red onion and radishes and toss until warmed. Spoon the vegetables and butter dressing over the arugula, toss well and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the salad on 4 plates, garnish with the mint leaves and serve.

Serves 4.

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Surprise Mom With Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

partysugar — Sat, 09 May 2009 08:00:27 -0700

Last Summer I was seduced by Gourmet's strawberry pie, and this year the magazine enticed me with a strawberry mascarpone tart with port glaze. This scrumptious dessert is surprisingly easy to put together - especially if you make the dough (like I did) in a food processor. Although I ended up purchasing a new pan, the delightful combination of crisp buttery crust, smooth creamy filling, plump juicy berries, and thick rich sauce was worth it. The completed tart is light and only slightly sweet, making it the perfect finish to a Mother's Day celebration. If you're traveling, make each element of the tart at home and assemble upon arrival at your destination. To look at the divine recipe, read more.

Strawberry Mascarpone Tart With Port Glaze
From Gourmet

Ingredients

For tart shell:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons cold water
For filling:
1 1/2 pounds strawberries (about 1 1/2 quarts), trimmed and halved lengthwise
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup ruby Port
1 pound mascarpone (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A 10-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom; pie weights or dried beans

Directions

Make tart shell: blend together flour, sugar, salt, and butter in a bowl with your fingertips or a pastry blender (or pulse in a food processor) just until mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-size butter lumps.
Beat together yolk, vanilla, lemon juice, and water with a fork, then drizzle over flour mixture and stir with fork (or pulse) until mixture comes together.
Gently knead with floured hands on a lightly floured surface until a dough forms, then gently knead 4 or 5 times. Press into a 5-inch disk.
Place in center of tart pan and cover with plastic wrap. Using your fingers and bottom of a flat-bottomed measuring cup, spread and push dough to evenly cover bottom and side of pan. Prick bottom of tart shell all over with a fork and freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle. Line tart shell with foil and fill with pie weights. Bake until side is set and edge is pale golden, about 20 minutes.
Carefully remove foil and weights and continue to bake until shell is deep golden all over, about 20 minutes more. Cool in pan, about 45 minutes.
Make filling while tart shell cools: stir together strawberries and granulated sugar in a bowl and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
Strain in a sieve set over a small saucepan, reserving berries. Add Port to liquid in saucepan and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, whisk together mascarpone, confectioners sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until stiff.
Assemble tart: spread mascarpone mixture evenly in cooled tart shell, then top with strawberries. Drizzle Port glaze all over tart.

Serves 8-10.

Make ahead: Tart shell can be baked 1 day ahead and kept at room temperature.

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Make Someone's Morning With a Breakfast Tart

YumSugar — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:00:23 -0700

My sweetheart's favorite weekend mornings begin with a hearty, comforting meal. That's why, when I came across this breakfast pastry, I knew I had to make it. The tart has all the familiar trappings of breakfast (bacon, eggs, flaky pastry) married with gourmet ingredients (crème fraîche, Gruyère) and assembled in an elegant, rustic way. This morning treat was so mouthwatering that we dusted the entire thing off in a matter of minutes. To make it for yourself or a loved one, read more.

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tart
From Williams-Sonoma

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry dough
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tsp. water
3 oz. crème fraîche
2 oz. shredded Gruyère cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 bacon slices, cooked until crisp
3 eggs
10 fresh chives, cut on the bias into 1/2-inch lengths

Directions

Thaw the puff pastry dough according to the package instructions.
Preheat an oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
On lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into a 10-by-8-inch rectangle. Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a paring knife, score a border 1/2 inch in from the edge of the pastry. Using a fork, prick the center of the pastry. Brush the border with the egg wash and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the crème fraîche and cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Spread the crème fraîche mixture on the pastry, keeping the border clean. Lay the bacon on top, slightly overlapping the slices. Bake the tart for 14 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a level heatproof surface. Using a fork, prick any large air pockets in the pastry. Crack the eggs onto the tart, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still soft, 7 to 10 minutes.
Transfer the tart to a platter, garnish with the chives and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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Mushroom Crostata Is a Scrumptious Starter

partysugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:07 -0800

Looking for the perfect appetizer to serve at Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than this delicious mushroom and pancetta crostata. A crostata is an Italian free-form tart that's similar to a savory pie. The dough is simple to make and requires 20 minutes of chill time. The filling, a mixture of mushrooms, pancetta, thyme, and cheese is rich and luxurious.

It makes an elegant start to a party when sliced into individual portions and served with a glass of sparkling wine. If you dislike mushrooms, get creative with the crostata technique. Figs and goat cheese, grapes and ricotta, and pears and blue cheese are combinations that would make great fillings. To learn how I made it, read more.

Crostata With Mushrooms and Pancetta
From Giada's Kitchen

Ingredients

For pastry crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons ice water
For mushroom filling:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 ounces diced pancetta
2 shallots, minced
1 pound assorted mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and button
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup (1 ounce) grated smoked mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup ( 1 ounce) grated fontina cheese
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

For the crust: In a food processor combine the flour and salt, and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the butter is finely chopped and the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the mascarpone and lemon juice and pulse a few times. Add the ice water and run the machine just until the mixture is moist and crumbly, but do not form a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and press into a disk. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
For the mushroom filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, about four minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pancetta to a small bowl.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Add the shallots and cook for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until all of the moisture has evaporated, about 12 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cooked pancetta along with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F.
Unwrap the chilled dough and place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Roll the dough into an 11-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Lift the parchment paper and transfer it and the dough to the baking sheet.
Stir the mozzarella and fontina into the cooled mushroom filling and spread in the center of the dough circle, leaving a 2-inch border.

Sprinkle the filling with Parmesan.
Fold the dough border up over the filling to form an 8-inch round, pleating the edge of the pastry. Brush the crust with beaten egg. Bake the crostata until the crust is golden about 25 minutes. Slice and serve.

Serves 4.

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Plum Delicious Crumble With Pistachios

YumSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:00:21 -0700

One of my favorite things about Summer is when friends occasionally stop by with a large bag of freshly picked fruit from their gardens. This past weekend, my dear friend bestowed on me a basket full of fresh plums. I could have made a pie, but I was in the mood for an easy, yet delicious crumble.
Crumbles are stewed fruit with a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar to make a crisp topping once baked. I added pistachios to the topping for extra crunch and spicy fresh ginger to the plum filling. Combine with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to make this fruity, nutty, and crunchy crumble the perfect Summer dessert. Crumbles are easily altered to suit just about any taste, so to learn how to make one, read more!

Plum and Pistachio Crumble
Modified from Delicious Crumbles & Cobblers

Ingredients

8 firm but ripe plums
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger or ground ginger
grated zest of lemon

Crumble Topping
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger or ground ginger
1/4 brown sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a sharp knife, halve the plums, remove and discard the pits, then cut the flesh into fairly thick slices.
Mix the plums with sugar, ginger, and lemon zest. Divide the plum mixture evenly into each of six ramekins. Cook for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Crumble Topping

Put the flour, ginger, pistachios, and sugar in a large bowl. Mix in the melted butter until crumbly.
Carefully arrange the crumble over the plums in an even layer; keep your touch light, or the crumble will sink into the filling and go mushy. Scatter a touch more sugar on the top of each.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Makes 6 individual crumbles.

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Definition: Galette

YumSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:00:39 -0700

Galette
A flat, round French pastry with a thin crust that can be either sweet or savory. The galette may be made from puff pastry, a dough such as brioche, or, commonly, a sweet pastry crust. The range of toppings may include fresh fruit, nut pastes, jams, nuts, meats, egg, or cheeses. Unlike tarts, these pastries are more rustic, as they are made by hand without a flan ring or a quiche pan. Alternatively, a galette may also refer to a crêpe made with buckwheat.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Roasted Squash and Pepper Tart

partysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:45:40 -0700

With the end of Summer looming like a dark fog in the distance, I've taken to eating as much seasonal produce as I can. Topped with Summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this tart is a perfect use of September's bounty.

The vegetables are roasted in the oven before being covered with puff pastry. Once the pastry is cooked, the tart is inverted, making for a fun presentation. To make the most of the warm weather while it lasts, read more.

Roasted Squash and Pepper Tart
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Ingredients

3 cups cups cut up squash, such as pattypan, yellow summer squash, or zucchini
2 red and/or yellow sweet peppers, cut into wide strips
1 large sweet onion and/or fennel bulb, cut into wedges
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt or salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. Parmesan cheese
1/2 of a 17.3-oz. pkg. frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet), thawed
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh thyme
1 cup purchased refrigerated creamy Parmesan dressing
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat sides and bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread squash, sweet peppers, and onion wedges in pan. Toss with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes or until tender, stirring once.
Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, cut Parmesan cheese in thin strips. Set aside.
On lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry to 13x9-inch rectangle.
Remove baking pan from oven. Add tomatoes to pan. Toss vegetables with balsamic vinegar and half the Parmesan cheese. Spread vegetables evenly in pan.
Lay pastry over vegetables, tucking in edges. Return pan to oven; bake for 15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.
Remove pan from oven; cool 5 minutes.
Invert a 15x10x1-inch baking pan over pan with pastry. Carefully invert pans together; remove 13x9 pan. Transfer any vegetables that stick to finished tart.
Sprinkle tart evenly with remaining cheese and 2 teaspoons of the thyme.
In small bowl stir together dressing, chopped onion, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme. Cut in squares. Serve tart warm or at room temperature with dressing.

Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 277, Total Fat (g) 23, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Monounsaturated Fat (g) 2, Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 0, Cholesterol (mg) 7, Sodium (mg) 256, Carbohydrate (g) 15, Total Sugar (g) 4, Fiber (g) 2, Protein (g) 4, Vitamin C (DV%) 101, Calcium (DV%) 8, Iron (DV%) 3, Percent Daily Values are base on a 2,000 calorie diet

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