100 Warm Appetizers Perfect for Fall
Updated: Sep. 09, 2019The perfect fall appetizer is warm, savory and delicious—comfort food in a bite-sized package. Check out this collection of appetizer recipes that are just the thing when there's a chill in the air!
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Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin 2 / 100
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
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Aussie Sausage Rolls
I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida 4 / 100
Maple Pulled Pork Buns
Maple syrup is my sweet secret to these irresistible buns. Slow-cooking the flavor-packed pork couldn’t be easier, and the buns are quick to roll up. We love them for parties because they serve a packed house. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5 / 100
Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip
This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 6 / 100
Maple, Fennel & Squash Bites
I can’t stop nibbling these flaky squares loaded with harvest ingredients. The frozen puff pastry helps simplify the prep work. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 7 / 100
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey 8 / 100
Mini Beef Tourtieres
These appetizers are a slight twist on the conventional tourtiere recipe. Ground beef replaces the traditional pork for a subtler taste, and with cream cheese pastry taking the place of pie pastry, these mini tourtiere melt in your mouth. They’re a time-saver, too—while the dough chills, you can prepare the filling. —Cheryl Bruneau, Winnipeg, Manitoba 9 / 100
Waffle Fry Nachos
My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho 10 / 100
Bacon Cheeseburger Balls
The first time I served these, my husband and kids thought we were having plain meatballs. Then they cut into the flavorful filling inside! —Cathy Lendvoy, Boharm, Saskatchewan 11 / 100
Slow-Cooked Cranberry Hot Wings
Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we've had through the years. My daughter’s friends can’t get enough of them. —Noreen Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut 12 / 100
Butternut-Gouda Pot Stickers
My family can't get enough butternut squash. I had some left over, so I used pot sticker wraps and veggies to create these fun little appetizers. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba 13 / 100
Puttanesca Meatball Sliders
Their just-right size and spice set these tender meatballs apart from others you may have tried. Placed on soft dinner rolls and topped with a zesty sauce, these unique sliders quickly win over a crowd. —Amy Coeler, Lemoore, California 14 / 100
Baked Baby Potatoes with Olive Pesto
These little cuties pack all the appeal of a dinner baked potato into the perfect bite-sized appetizer. I top off each one with a dollop of sour cream and coarsely ground pepper. —Sarah Shaikh, Mumbai, India 15 / 100
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
For parties, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin 16 / 100
Smoky Bacon Wraps
These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana 17 / 100
Cranberry-Beef Mini Burgers
Cranberry tapenade brings a deep red color and sweet-sour zing to these fun little bacon cheeseburgers. Serve them for parties or any time you want to treat your family. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California 18 / 100
Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Pack on the flavor with just a few ingredients! The plum sauce in this dish is an unexpected treat. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois 19 / 100
Tuscan Sausage & Bean Dip
This is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an "I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip" phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina 20 / 100
Finger-Lickin'-Good Shrimp
My husband and I were vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when we happened upon a terrific restaurant that served shrimp wrapped in bacon. Though I've changed them slightly, these delicious appetizers are enjoyed by everyone who tries them. —Sandi Solari, Manteca, California 21 / 100
Muenster Bread
Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful round golden loaf. With a layer of cheese peeking out of every slice, it's definitely worth the effort. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan 22 / 100
Hearty Rye Melts
When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite. 23 / 100
Bacon-Sausage Quiche Tarts
As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers a very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina 24 / 100
Tomato-Squash Appetizer Pizza
I was looking for quick weeknight meals that would use the fresh herbs from my windowsill garden when I decided to create this seasonal flatbread pizza. To my surprise, I discovered it also made a fabulous appetizer. —Andrea Tovar, New York, New York 25 / 100
Hot Cheese Dip
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy dish! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin 26 / 100
Fried Prosciutto Tortellini
My take on Italian street food, these fried tortellini are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey 27 / 100
Herbed Leek Tarts
This savory, nontraditional tart is a favorite among our family and friends! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin 28 / 100
Greek Breadsticks
Get ready for rave reviews with these crisp breadsticks twisted with Greek-inspired goodness. Best served fresh from the oven. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida 29 / 100
Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia 30 / 100
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cranberry sauce isn't just for turkey anymore! Combined with a few other ingredients, the Thanksgiving staple makes a perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa 31 / 100
Honey-Mint Lamb Skewers
My hearty lamb bites are delicious and convenient. Assemble them the day before, then pop them under the broiler when the party starts. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho 32 / 100
Swiss Cheese Bread
This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota 33 / 100
Onion Brie Appetizers
Guests will think you spent hours preparing these cute appetizers, but they’re really easy to assemble, using purchased puff pastry. And the tasty combination of Brie, caramelized onions and caraway is terrific. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio 34 / 100
Mini Grilled Cheese
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California 35 / 100
Miniature Shepherd's Pies
These mini pies are ideal for nibbling at holiday parties. If ground beef isn't your preference, change up the flavor with ground lamb and a teaspoon of dried rosemary instead. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 36 / 100
Ricotta Sausage Triangles
Savory pockets filled with cheese, sausage and seasonings…what’s not to like? This recipe makes a lot so it’s ideal for parties or potlucks. If you don’t need the entire amount, they do freeze well. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida 37 / 100
Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia 38 / 100
Sausage Chive Pinwheels
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves, and sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels never even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 39 / 100
Cheddar Gougeres
Gougeres-French cheesy cream puffs-are usually made with Gruyere cheese but I often substitute with the sharpest cheddar I can find for bolder flavor. Make this recipe your own with the cheese of your choice. —Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan 40 / 100
Roasted Grape Crostini
A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina 41 / 100
Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread
When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas 42 / 100
Ham and Cheese Puffs
These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa 43 / 100
Sausage Mushroom Appetizers
These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 44 / 100
Petite Sausage Quiches
You won’t be able to eat just one of these cute mini quiches. Filled with savory sausage, Swiss cheese and a dash of cayenne, the mouthwatering morsels will disappear fast from the breakfast or buffet table. —Dawn Stitt, Hesperia, Michigan 45 / 100
Lamb Pastry Bundles
This recipe was such a hit that my family has now incorporated the Mediterranean flavors into several dishes! —Tess Konter, New York, New York 46 / 100
Chiles Rellenos Squares
My family requests this chile relleno regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California 47 / 100
Crab Crescents
This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California 48 / 100
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida 49 / 100
Swiss Mushroom Loaf
I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin 50 / 100
Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota 51 / 100
Almond Cheddar Appetizers
I always try to have a supply of these appetizers on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario 52 / 100
Bourbon Meatballs
Kick up your meatballs with a splash of bourbon and vinegar for punchy sweet-and-sour flavor. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado 53 / 100
Fast Coconut Shrimp
Tender shrimp are nicely coated with crumbs and coconut in this elegant appetizer. The rum and marmalade sauce on the side is a tasty complement.—Elaine Bonica, Bethel, Maine 54 / 100
Appetizer Tomato Cheese Bread
I found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters, but I don't hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York 55 / 100
Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado 56 / 100
Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms
Green bean casserole is one of our must-haves for Thanksgiving dinner, but it needed updating. This bite-size version gets fun reactions from everyone who eats it. —Kaytie Pickett, Jackson, Mississippi 57 / 100
Taco Tater Skins
I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan 58 / 100
Apple & Pecan Goat Cheese Pastries
Guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet pastries. Only you will know that this recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep time and five ingredients! —Heather Foky, Howland, Ohio 59 / 100
Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee 60 / 100
Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce
Serve some of this South American herb sauce featuring fresh cilantro and parsley on the side. You'll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia 61 / 100
Artichoke & Mushroom Toasts
Our winters can get cold here, so I like to warm up holiday guests with oven-fresh appetizers. Crunchy bread slices are topped with mushrooms, artichokes and a blend of cheeses. —Nancy Mueller, Bloomington, Minnesota 62 / 100
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon 63 / 100
Bacon and Fontina Stuffed Mushrooms
What's better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They'll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania 64 / 100
Baked Crab Dip
We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even fill the bread bowl early in the day and chill it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri 65 / 100
Sausage Phyllo Rolls
My brother shared his recipe for appetizer rolls with me years ago, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. The delicate phyllo dough wraps around a hearty sausage filling. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 66 / 100
Caramelized Fennel Tarts
Fennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it’s cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I’ve served these as a side dish and as an appetizer.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida 67 / 100
Hot Crab Pinwheels
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia 68 / 100
Italian Meatball Buns
These soft little rolls come with a surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. They're wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, making them fun for my grandkids and adults, too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina 69 / 100
Baked Spinach Dip Loaf
Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta 70 / 100
Blue Cheese-Onion Steak Bites
I love the flavor pairing of blue cheese and steak. Adding garlic and onion make it even better. This is a hearty appetizer for parties or a great light lunch. —Jo-Ellen Neil, Arroyo Grande, California 71 / 100
Chickaritos
This recipe is one I created, substituting chicken for beef and omitting the frying, when our son grew fond of a fast-food restaurant’s “junior burritos.” They’ve been a big hit with our whole family ever since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona 72 / 100
Crab Wonton Cups
These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday finger food as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware 73 / 100
Caramelized Onion & Fig Pizza
This is a sensational variation on traditional pizza. It's creamy, sweet and a little salty, with a buttery crunch from the pine nuts. I like to serve it with mixed baby greens salad and a vinaigrette. —Connie Balbach, Bemidji, Minnesota 74 / 100
Baked Onion Dip
Some people like this cheesy dip so much that they can't tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin 75 / 100
Crescent Samosas
Tender, buttery crescents surround a delicious filling, making these appetizers a real standout. No one will guess that they're light! —Jennifer Kemp, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan 76 / 100
Fried Mushrooms Marinara
Deep-fried breaded mushrooms served on a bed of spaghetti sauce are a sure winner for any party. Get ready to hand out the recipe! —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania 77 / 100
Buffalo Chicken Empanadas with Blue Cheese Sauce
These little golden-brown pockets are fun to eat and feature the popular taste of Buffalo wings. Using rotisserie chicken and refrigerated pie pastry speeds up the preparation. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina 78 / 100
Ham and Broccoli Puffs
These starters look complex, but they're easy to make and still very elegant. —Lynda McCulloch, San Antonio, Texas 79 / 100
Chorizo-Queso Egg Rolls
Little bites deliver big flavor in this combination of tangy sausage and creamy cheese in crisp wontons. The recipe is an appetizing takeoff on my favorite Mexican entree. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois 80 / 100
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. Using canned chicken adds to the convenience. —Allyson, DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania 81 / 100
Curried Mushroom Empanadas
A rich mushroom filling is spiced with mild curry and wrapped in flaky pastry. These two-bite treats cross Indian flavor with classic Mexican empanadas for an appetizer that will disappear like magic! —Pat Cronin, Cotuit, Massachusetts 82 / 100
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York 83 / 100
Greek-Style Pizza
Save yourself a trip to Greece and serve this appetizer pizza at your next party. To ensure a crisp and flaky crust, before assembling the pizza, drain the tomato slices on a paper towel to soak up any extra moisture. —Claire Torrice, Oswego, New York 84 / 100
Sweet Potato Pot Stickers
I added a Southern twist to pot stickers. The ginger-flavored sweet potatoes are a surprising filling, but are oh so savory and delicious. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina 85 / 100
Hot Collards and Artichoke Dip
Anyone can pull off spinach and artichoke dip—so brighten it up using collard greens for a southern twist. Serve this dish with warm garlic naan or tortilla chips. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland 86 / 100
Mini Crescent Burgers
A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri 87 / 100
Grilled Pizza Bread
These fun French bread pizzas are great picnic fare for both kids and adults. Tasty on the grill, they can just as easily be baked in the oven. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana 88 / 100
Slow-Cooker Reuben Spread
My daughter shared this recipe with me for a hearty spread that tastes just like a Reuben sandwich. Serve it from a slow cooker set to warm. —Rosalie Fuchs, Paynesville, Minnesota 89 / 100
Chicken Pot Stickers
Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada 90 / 100
Sweet Onion Bread Skillet
Because there are only a few ingredients in this recipe, you’ll get the best results if you use the finest-quality foods, like a fresh Vidalia onion and aged Parmesan cheese. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida 91 / 100
Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Puff
It's so very easy, but it looks and tastes gourmet. Dinner party guests will be impressed with this perfect starter course. Serve with a spicy mustard for dipping if desired. —Christina Singer, Bellefontaine, Ohio 92 / 100
Pesto Pull-Apart Bread
I combined some of my favorite flavors in an easy bread to complement our Italian meals. I make the pesto, oven-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, but store-bought versions work too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Field Editor), 93 / 100
Prosciutto Pinwheels
Fancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it'll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, Washington 94 / 100
Roasted Red Pepper Triangles
I sandwich full-flavored meats, cheeses and veggies between layers of flaky crescent dough for this sensational treat. We like to have marinara sauce on hand for dipping. —Amy Bell, Arlington, Tennessee 95 / 100
Spinach Dip Pull-Aparts
Even picky eaters who don't like to eat spinach will dig into these tasty little bites. — Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey 96 / 100
Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms
I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and make them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario 97 / 100
Cornbread Pizza Wheels
This hearty, colorful snack looks like you spent a lot of time, but it's simple to make. —Patrick Lucas, Cochran, Georgia 98 / 100
Dutch Meatballs (Bitterballen)
I host an annual Christmas party for some friends, and one year, I made a dish from each person's background, including these Dutch meatballs with a crispy coating. Talk about a hit! —Tracey Rosato, Markham, Ontario 99 / 100
Poppy Seed Cheese Bread
This easy-to-make bread goes well with a salad luncheon or a casserole dinner. But I especially like to serve it with spaghetti and pasta dishes. The cheese topping is its crowning glory! —Elaine Mundt, Detroit, Michigan 100 / 100
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
We give traditional pizza a twist by rolling up the usual toppings in egg roll wrappers, then deep-frying them. Yum! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Originally Published: October 10, 2018
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