The 59 Best Valentine's Day Recipes Of All Time

By
Lisa Cericola
Lisa Cericola, Senior Food Editor for Southern Living
Lisa Cericola
Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands.
Southern Living's editorial guidelines
Updated on April 11, 2024
Valentine's Day Cake
Photo: Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

Valentine's Day is a heavenly holiday in which we get to nibble on heart-shaped boxes full of chocolates and candies in lieu of the usual suspects like apple slices, Cheez-its, and yogurt cups. So why not serve a date night meal that feels just as special? When it comes to picking Valentine's Day dinner recipes, make the menu something to remember. No, make it something so good that Cupid himself would be smitten. First, skip the casseroles. (Because casseroles just aren't that romantic. There, we said it.) Second, don't be afraid to be a little kitschy. Slow-cooked braised lamb shanks? Molten red velvet cakes? Now that's a menu that'll make us blush. This year, we've got you covered with soups, salads, main dishes, and desserts that'll be sure to win over every sweetheart, secret admirer, and suitor. These Valentine's Day recipes will leave them love-struck.

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Sheet Pan Hanger Steak and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Hanger Steak and Vegetables
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Using a sheet pan is the easiest way to cook an entire meal at one time. A mixture of softened butter, seasonings, and herbs give this steak dinner a special finishing touch.

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02 of 59

Chocolate Martini

Southern Living Chocolate Martini in glasses to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Now here's a Valentine's drink you're bound to adore. This indulgent chocolate martini is a delicious option for your V-Day celebrations and there are so many ways to make it your own. Top it with chocolate shavings and espresso or cocoa powder, or garnish with a strawberry and a dollop of whipped cream.

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03 of 59

Pork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Sauce

Pork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Sauce
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Pork chops are a forever favorite, and when they're adorned with a spoonful of our fan-favorite Dijon-Buttermilk sauce, you'll fall in love with them all over again.

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04 of 59

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake_WD0156-S
Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

Instead of grabbing a box of chocolate-covered strawberries this year, treat your Valentine to this homemade cheesecake that has the same flavor but is even more decadent.

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05 of 59

Caesar Salad with Garlicky Croutons

Caesar Salad with Garlicky Croutons
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Skip the bagged salad for the special occasion and serve a homemade Caesar salad as the first course.

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06 of 59

Garlicky Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

Garlicky Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
Alison Miksch

Have you heard the rumor that making roasted chicken increases your odds of getting a proposal? It's not exactly science, but this recipe might help.

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07 of 59

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster Mac and Cheese
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Rachael Burrow; Recipe: Darcy Lenz

This classic side dish is elegant enough to be the main course when upgraded with lobster.

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08 of 59

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Step up your appetizer game by topping seasoned crackers with shrimp, cream cheese, and pepper jelly.

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09 of 59

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Strong-brewed coffee and German's sweet chocolate baking bars give each layer of cake just the right amount of flavor that's perfect for pairing with the showstopping Coconut-Pecan Frosting.

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10 of 59

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

You can serve this appetizer with the tomato skin on or off, whichever you prefer.

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11 of 59

Baked Tortellini Alfredo With Mushrooms

Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Thanks to refrigerated tortellini, this pasta dish will be ready to serve in just 25 minutes.

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12 of 59

Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits

Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Considering how fancy and date night-worthy this dish looks, you'd never guess that this sophisticated supper was made in a slow cooker.

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13 of 59

Chocolate Cobbler

Chocolate Cobbler
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

The method used for this cobbler includes pouring boiling water over the batter. This creates pockets of pudding between the tender sections of cake.

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14 of 59

Valentine's Day Cake

Valentine's Day Cake
Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

No special pan is required to create this heart-shaped cake.

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15 of 59

Slow-Cooker Lemon-Asparagus Risotto

Slow-Cooker Lemon-Asparagus Risotto
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

We concocted this recipe so that even beginner chefs can make a creamy, silky risotto at home. You could serve this as a light side with a protein of your choice or enjoy it as a main dish before an indulgent dessert.

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16 of 59

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Do you have a Reese's Cup lover in your midst? This mile-high creamy pie is just what you need to really impress.

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17 of 59

Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Our Test Kitchen recommends choosing a wine you like to drink for this recipe so you can enjoy the rest of the bottle with your meal.

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18 of 59

Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We're here to impress, right? Skip the crab cakes—so expected. Try your hand at these salmon cakes, instead.

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19 of 59

Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This traditional meat sauce makes a comforting choice for Valentine's Day—and it's perfect for busy cooks. You can set it in the slow cooker and leave it alone.

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20 of 59

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
Photographer: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Ranking; Prop Stylist Julia Bayless

Potatoes work well with every main dish, whether it's steak or ham, scallops or salmon, and this creamy dish is sure to please.

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21 of 59

Pork Tenderloin with Farro Salad

Pork Tenderloin with Farro Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You'll need just 20 minutes to treat your sweetheart to this easy yet delicious dinner so even if you're short on time, you can still enjoy a homemade meal together.

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22 of 59

Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad

Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This jewel-toned salad is just as delicious as it is pretty. Festive Valentine reds and pinks are sure to impress any holiday guests.

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23 of 59

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttery Chive-and-Mustard Drop Biscuits
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Give your buttermilk biscuits a special makeover for a fancy date night.

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24 of 59

Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownies
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

You can't go wrong serving these colorful brownies smothered in rich cream cheese frosting for dessert.

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25 of 59

Cast-Iron Steak Salad

Cast-iron steak salad with fork and spoon

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

While a main-dish salad isn't the typical fare for Valentine's Day, this one is a flavorsome exception.

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26 of 59

Roasted Tomato-Cheddar Soup

Roasted Tomato-Cheddar Soup
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This classic soup with a cheesy twist is always a great pick, especially on cold winter nights.

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27 of 59

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton

For many, comfort food evokes the feeling of love, and this traditional pot roast is the perfect example. Serve with our Crispy Potatoes.

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28 of 59

Molten Red Velvet Cakes

Molten Red Velvet Cakes, red velvet cake recipe
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ

Molten and miniature, these red velvet cakes basically scream "Valentine's Day dessert."

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29 of 59

Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

Crab-and-Bacon Linguine
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

White wine, heavy cream, and bacon combine to make a pan sauce that feels oh-so indulgent. (As if crab linguine even needs help in that department.)

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30 of 59

Air Fryer Steak

Air Fryer Steak
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Steak for two comes together with just 10 minutes of hands-on time with the help of your air fryer. Finish with homemade herb butter for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

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31 of 59

Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream

Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Is there really any reason to not make this easy, decadent, and oh-so-yummy chocolate fudge cake? Didn't think so.

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32 of 59

White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf Cake
Photo: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Styling: Kay Clarke, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This pretty pound cake can also be made with fresh strawberries instead of raspberries, or you can use a mixture of both.

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33 of 59

Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes

Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

The turkey cooks in the slow cooker for ultimate hands-off ease in this Valentine's Day dinner that would impress company, too.

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34 of 59

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe
Heidi's Bridge

If desired, you can add a protein like chicken or shrimp to the side of this easy yet always impressive pasta dish.

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35 of 59

Mocha Bark

Southern Living Mocha Bark broken into pieces to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This recipe combines deep coffee flavors, which complement a classic chocolate bark beautifully.

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36 of 59

Ancho Chile Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Tacos

Ancho-Chile Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Tacos
Alison Miksch

Who says tacos can't be romantic? When they're filled with ancho-chile-spiced flank steak and roasted sweet potato, they certainly are.

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37 of 59

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies Recipe
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Even Cupid would make a special appearance for these intensely rich chocolate cookies. So rich, in fact, they snub even a pinch of flour.

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38 of 59

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Luca Trovato

This recipe is as decadent as it is simple. Quick-cooking shrimp also make a good choice if your Valentine's dinner falls on a weeknight.

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39 of 59

Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Tortellini with Herbed Butter Sauce

Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Tortellini with Herbed Butter Sauce
Photo: Jennifer Davick

A nutty, smooth dish ready for your Valentine's date in 30 minutes? Yes, please.

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40 of 59

Best-Ever Crab Cakes with Green Tomato Slaw

Best-Ever Crab Cakes with Green Tomato Slaw
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Celebrate the day of love with pure crispy decadence—in the form of these best-ever crab cakes. Serve as a main dish or an appetizer!

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41 of 59

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Deep Dish Skillet Cookie
Alison Miksch

Make your date night feel young again. This skillet cookie should be served warm with a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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42 of 59

Lemon-Lime Meringue Pie

Lemon-Lime Meringue Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling; Tina Bell Stamos

"My love for you is as strong yet tender as the peaks on my meringue pie." At least, that's what we'd say.

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43 of 59

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce
Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Maybe you didn't get to take that romantic weekend to the beach—or maybe you did. Either way, this pasta gives a taste of the coast.

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44 of 59

Ginger-Plum Slump

Ginger-Plum Slump
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Something about warm, stewed fruits in a cast-iron skillet makes us swoon. This ginger-plum recipe feels worlds away from your basic peach cobbler.

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45 of 59

Creamy Rice with Scallops

Creamy Rice with Scallops
Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Scallops are the steak of the sea—so splurge this Valentine's Day by making these and serving with risotto-like creamy rice.

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46 of 59

Bourbon-Chocolate Cake with Browned Buttercream Frosting

Bourbon-Chocolate Cake with Browned Buttercream
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop styling: Lydia Pursell

Adding a splash of bourbon to both the cake and the icing give this dessert a decadent flavor any bourbon lover will enjoy.

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47 of 59

Herb-Crusted Roasted Leg Of Lamb

herb-crusted roasted leg of lamb - Southern Living

GREG DUPREE; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

You know it's a special occasion when the Herb-Crusted Roasted Leg of Lamb hits the table. Few main dishes are quite as special as this one.

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48 of 59

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Scalloped potatoes are an ideal side for many occasions, and they're sure to accompany seamlessly whatever Valentine's Day main dish you choose.

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49 of 59

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Jennifer Davick

Two Southern favorites—cheesecake and banana pudding—create one show-stopping dessert your significant other will love.

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50 of 59

Dark Chocolate Sablés

Dark Chocolate Sablés
Iain Bagwell

This elegant cookie is delicate and crumbly – just baking perfection. The result is a beautiful cookie that needs just 20 minutes of active work.

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51 of 59

Cherry-Nectarine Pandowdy

Cherry-Nectarine Pandowdy
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Achy, breaky heart? Try ooey, gooey dessert! Nectarines and cherries make a fabulous duo.

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52 of 59

Vidalia Onion Soup

Vidalia Onion Soup
Southern Living

Using Vidalia onions adds even more flavor to this classic soup. Serve it as a starter or pair it with a salad for the main course.

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53 of 59

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller
Southern Living

Oysters are heralded as one of the most romantic foods—so serve them up with a Southern twist by making this dish that originated in New Orleans.

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54 of 59

Brennan's Bananas Foster

Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen

Bananas Foster would be a fun dessert to make together, and the result is oh-so-tasty.

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55 of 59

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Icing

Carrot-Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes with Buttermilk-Vanilla Glaze
Cedric Angeles; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These cakes look so elegant when plated, and they couldn't be any easier to make.

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56 of 59

Roasted Lamb With Fresh-Herb Sauce

Southern Living Roasted Lamb With Fresh-Herb Sauce on serving platter

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Fresh herbs elevate this roasted lamb dish to something truly special (and utterly memorable for Valentine's Day dinner).

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57 of 59

Dark Chocolate-Pistachio-Orange Kisses

Dark Chocolate-Pistachio-Orange Kisses
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

If you can master the art of a meringue then you're sure to wow your Valentine with these deliciously citrusy and decadent kisses.

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58 of 59

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Add the simplest, most comforting side to make your Valentine's Day dinner a cozy night to remember.

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59 of 59

Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast

Pecan-Coated Pork Loin Roast
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Break out the pecans to make a showstopping main dish of tender, roasted pork loin.

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