Podcast
Family Tree Food Stories
Hosted by Nancy May & Sylvia France · EN
Family Tree, Food & Stories podcast will take you on a mouthwatering journey through generations of flavor! We're digging up and sharing the juiciest family secrets, hilarious dinner table disasters, and the heartwarming moments that make your favorite foods, meals, and relationships unforgettable. From Great-Grandma's legendary cheese crust apple pie to that questionable casserole your Uncle Bob swears by. With Family Tree, Food, and Stories, we're serving a feast of laughter, tears, and everything in between. So, are you ready to uncover and share those unforgettable stories behind every bite and create some new memories along the way? Join our growing family of food enthusiasts and storytellers as we Eat, laugh, relive the past, and learn how to create new memories together because. . . every recipe has a story, and every story is a feast.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Untold Pizza History Stories: How Your Favorite Became an American Obsession.
Jan 800:27:11Tap to summarizePizza wasn’t always welcome at the table—And it certainly wasn’t always American. So how did a seemingly simple immigrant street food become the most shared, argued-over, and emotionally loaded meal in the country? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely uncover some surprising facts about the history of pizza in America, tracing its journey from Italian and ancient Mediterranean roots to our neighborhood pizza parlors, family tables, and regional loyalties that still divide and challenge us today.This episode of Family Tree Food & Stories shares how pizza (the “slice”) became portable fuel for working families, how New York, Chicago, Detroit, and New Haven shaped distinct styles (and the pizza wars), and why pizza shows up at our most personal moments—birthdays, late nights, celebrations, and comfort meals. It’s not about toppings. It’s about memory, migration, and why pizza became one of America’s favorite tabletop foods.🍕 Key TakeawaysHow pizza evolved into an American food staple: from early immigrants to all-out national pizza wars and modern rivals today.Weird and delicious regional differences: from New England to Chicago and elsewhere, the differences are often stark, very personal.Pizza parlors shaped many early communities: they were family-owned establishments that brought back memories from when we were kids.American reinvented pizza before it was exported worldwide: global pizza as we know it today might exist because of its American evolution. What do you think?🎧 Listen now and rediscover how pizza memories you didn’t realize shaped your own childhood and life today.Then share this episode with someone who still argues about what city or restaurant has the best slice—or remembers when pizza wasn’t “real food” in their house.Leave a review, follow the show, and tell us:What did pizza mean at your table?Because every meal has a story—and this one built America.Additional Links ❤️Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram Story updates 📸Facebook Family Tree Food Stories GROUP👍TikTok: Family Tree Food Stories👇Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemailYou can send us a DM on Facebook.🎧 Subscribe now and never miss a bite or a good story.🎧If you missed the first time around... now's your time to listen now to Family Tree Food & Stories and get inspired to make better use of what’s already in your kitchen. Then visit our page to share how you're using your leftovers this year. Waste less. Cook smarter. Tell the story behind your fridge.About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, a member of The Food Stories Media Network, which celebrates the rich traditions and connections everyone has around food, friends, and family meals. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, and podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles."Every Meal Has a Story, and Every Story is a Feast." (tm) is a trademark of Family Tree Food & Stories podcast and the hosts.@familytreefoodstories #pizzaHistory #pizzainAmerica #foodhistory #pizzawars #bestpizza #foodculture #podcastfood #foodpodcast #pizzaparlor #aliice #forgetaboutit #foodstories #podcastrecommendations #californiapizza #italianfood #sourdoughpizza
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How to Turn Leftovers into Fancy New Year’s Meals 2026
Jan 100:28:13Tap to summarizeNew Year’s Leftovers: What to Toss, What to Transform, and Why It MattersWhat stays, what goes, and what gets reinvented with style and taste? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, your award-winning hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take on the post-holiday refrigerator—one container at a time, with how-to ideas and a recipe that will turn your holiday leftovers into a fancy homespun “gotta have.”This episode isn’t just about food—it’s a look at what leftovers say about the way we live, how they reflect culture (in the US and elsewhere), resourcefulness, and a way to embrace tradition and move forward. From stuffing and cranberry sauce to black-eyed peas, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and bacon gravy, and even what to do with leftover champagne, Nancy and Sylvia share old and new strategies for recreating new foods from “old”after the holiday glitter is packed up and put away.In this episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, you’ll also get practical ideas for how to save food, stretch your grocery budget, and reuse ingredients in ways that still taste good on day five. Providing they’re not fuzzy.If you're aiming to start the new year with less waste, smarter meals, and better habits in the kitchen, then dig in and enjoy the show!🔑 Key Takeaways:Most families throw out 30–40% of holiday food: learn what to do with leftovers that make them taste even better than the first time around.What’s in your fridge can help with New Year's financial management: Did you know that the price of groceries has increased nearly 28% over the last five years? This episode shares tips and ideas that even your mom would be proud to serve.Leftovers have global traditions too: From Kentucky Bergue to Italian Arancini Balls and even French Toast, every culture has creative and delicious tips and tricks for making your holiday leftovers extra special and even more delicious. Additional Links ❤️Recipe for How to Make Champagne Vinaigrette made with leftover Champagne Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram Story updates 📸Facebook Family Tree Food Stories GROUP👍TikTok: Family Tree Food Stories👇Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemailYou can send us a DM on Facebook.🎧 Subscribe now and never miss a bite or a good story.Listen now to Family Tree Food & Stories and get inspired to make better use of what’s already in your kitchen. Then visit our page to share how you're using your leftovers this year. Waste less. Cook smarter. Tell the story behind your fridge.About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, a member of The Food Stories Media Network, which celebrates the rich traditions and connections everyone has around food, friends, and family meals. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, and podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles."Every Meal Has a Story, and Every Story is a Feast." (tm) is a trademark of Family Tree Food & Stories podcast and the hosts.@familytreefoodstories #familyfoodstories #newyear's2026 #champaigne #leftovers #fancymeals #leftoverturkey #January2026 #newyear'straditions #newyear'sfood #newyear'sdiet #savingfood #foodbudgeting #costofbeef #costofgroceries #managingfoodcosts
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How to Eat Your Leftover Christmas Tree: For Real!
Dec 26, 202400:14:14Tap to summarizeHow to Eat Your Christmas Tree and Create a Deliciously Unusual Holiday Tradition 🎄What do you do with a leftover Christmas tree? Toss it? Compost it? Nope—how about eating it? Yes, you heard that right! In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, we’re setting the table with a new way to turn your bedazzled Christmas tree into a gourmet treat.From sweet pine syrups to pine needle tea, baking with your tree's bark (and a treat you can bite), and even pine-infused ice cream, Nancy May, co-host of Family Tree, Food & Stories explains how to create an unforgettable—and even new eco-friendly—family tradition.You might think eating your Christmas tree is a bit weird, but your new gastronomic adventure will be the ultimate conversation starter for next year’s Christmas table or even at your New Year's celebration.Join us for laughter, recipes, and maybe even a new holiday tradition that will keep your family talking for generations. After all, wouldn’t it be fun to say, “Remember when Aunt Nancy made us eat the tree?”🌟 Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make your Christmas leftovers a story worth sharing!💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.#familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #christmasdinner #christmasstories #holidayfoods #holidaytraditions #FamilyTreePodcast #HolidayTraditions #EatYourChristmasTree #EcoFriendlyCooking #FoodieFun #ChristmasRecipes #SustainableLiving #ecofriendly #gourmet #holidaychefs @familytreefoodstories
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Holiday Cheer and Weird Food Traditions: From Fruitcake to Santa's Secret Flying Sauce
Dec 19, 202400:24:51Tap to summarizeFrom Stinky Food Stuck in a Tree to Finger Licking Christmas Traditions in Japan: This holiday episode will have you asking for a second helping.🎄✨What’s the story behind the quirky German Christmas pickle? And why do families in Japan celebrate the holidays by licking their fingers? Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Sylvia Lovely as they dive into the heart (and stomach) of Christmas and family food traditions in this holiday episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories.In this show, they share everything from Martha Stewart-inspired table settings to Southern comfort recipes. Have you ever tried a traditional German Stollen for breakfast? It’s one of Nancy's Christmas morning favorites.Get ready for some friendly debates—because fruitcake is on the table (literally) as Sylvia shares her love-hate relationship with this infamous holiday staple. But this episode isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about creating new and delicious memories and traditions for you and your family. What are your family’s food traditions? Are you preserving them for future generations? Nancy and Sylvia will inspire you with tips on capturing your own family’s food stories, plus a special holiday gift idea that foodies and family historians will adore, and a recipe for Santa's Secret Flying Sauce!Hit play and let us bring a little magic to your holiday season—one recipe and story at a time! 🎄✨💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.#familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #christmasdinner #christmasstories #holidayfoods #holidaytraditions #fruitcake #christmaspicklke
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Life Lessons over Lunch: A first sit-down restaurant an what happened next!
Dec 12, 202400:05:30Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a small-town girl becomes a college Freshman with ambitions? This episode is one every parent, and Freshman will learn from!In this episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, join co-host Sylvia Lovely as she recounts a pivotal moment in her life that intertwines ambition, family expectations, and an unforgettable dining experience. Raised in a humble background where college wasn't even on the radar, Sylvia's sudden declaration to pursue higher education led her to Moorhead State University. However, a seemingly simple luncheon turns into a memorable lesson in social graces when Sylvia encounters a dining dilemma that leaves everyone at the table in silent amusement. Discover how this hilarious and heartwarming story of a girl navigating her way through new experiences highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Listen in to discover how a waitress's mentioned menu option becomes a cherished memory, reflecting the universal power of food to connect us all.Key Learning Points:Overcoming familial and societal expectations and pursuit of higher education.The humorous side of navigating new social situations.The cultural significance of food in shaping and recalling personal memories.The power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow and learn.The importance of supportive communities in personal development.Family Tree Food & Stories 🎙️🍲❤️ is a heartwarming podcast that dives into the profound connections we have with food, family, and those treasured memories. Each episode shares the personal stories of recipes, traditions, and stories created just last week or passed down through generations. You'll laugh 😂, cry 😢, and crave more delicious moments 😋 as your hosts, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, celebrate the power of food and moments that shape our identities and strengthen our bonds with family and friends. Join us every week for uplifting tales that will leave you hungry for more of what happens next. Pull up a chair and enjoy the journey! 🍽️👨👩👧👦✨#FamilyTreeFoodStories #NewPodcast #BookRelease #storytelling #storytellingpodcast #podcast #sharedmeals #foodstories #familytime #foodies #cherishedmemories #collegejourney #familyexpectations #humorousstories #foodmemories #diningdilemmas #highereducation #lifelessons #personalgrowth #overcomingobsticles #inspirationalpodcast #hardships #collegememories #growingupstories #familysupport #podcastsummaries #podcastfamily #podcast
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The Luckiest Pig on Ravioli Mountain: The TRUE Story!
Dec 5, 202400:22:37Tap to summarizeWhat's the best way to make pasta? It's all in the drying.🍷🍝What do an old kitchen table, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a lucky (and we mean lucky) pig have in common? They’re all part of this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, where Nancy May and show guest Bobby Hedglin-Taylor, a man of many hats, dive into some rich country Italian family-food stories rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania. Nancy and Bobby share some preview moments from his forthcoming book “Escape to Ravioli Mountain: A Memoir in Food.” Bobby’s experience in the kitchen with his grandmother proves how our culinary experiences shape our identities and connect our past to the future. 🎧 Why You Can't Miss This Episode: Learn about a surprisingly intelligent pig who changed one family's perspective on their farm animals foreverSit in the stories of an Italian grandmother's kitchen, where handmade pasta-making secrets were passed down between generations.Discover the interesting connection between coal miners and pepperoni rolls and how immigrant families adapted their food traditions to survive in America.Whether you’re a food lover or simply looking for inspiration and a better way to make homemade pasta, this episode will encourage you to sit by a warm fire during a cold winter evening and recount your own collection of delicious food and family stories. 💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might just find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal. #familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #memoir #podcast #foodpodcast #ravioli #bobbyhedglin-taylor #culinarystories #pastamaking #pasta-making #limoncello #italian-american #heritage #italiangenealogy #pastasause #sundaysauce
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The Radio Waitress and the Almost Academy Award
Nov 28, 202400:05:09Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a fake waitress, a wannabe on-air actress, tries to save the day? 🤦♂️In this episode, you'll want to join Sylvia Lovely, co-host of Family Tree Food and Stories, for a show filled with unexpected twists and turns. When Sylvia's boyfriend Bernie, a radio host 📻 in Moorhead, Kentucky, finds himself without a guest for his show, Sylvia steps up with a daring plan intertwined with a bit of creative freedom. 💡 What happens next is a rollercoaster of emotions and on-air surprises. This heartwarming and humorous story showcases how quick thinking can turn a potential disaster into a memorable experience. Tune in to hear how Sylvia’s impromptu performance, featuring a delightful food-related twist, created a story for the ages - especially if you've ever been a waitress 🍔 - blending romance, humor, and the charm of small-town life. 👩❤️👨Key Lessons Learned:💡The importance of creativity and quick thinking in unexpected situations.How a shared challenge can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.The significance of humor and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.Family Tree Food & Stories 🎙️🍲❤️ is a heartwarming podcast that dives into the profound connections we have with food, family, and those treasured memories. Each episode shares the personal stories of recipes, traditions, and stories created just last week or passed down through generations. You'll laugh 😂, cry 😢, and crave more delicious moments 😋 as your hosts, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, celebrate the power of food and moments that shape our identities and strengthen our bonds with family and friends. Join us every week for uplifting tales that will leave you hungry for more of what happens next. Pull up a chair and enjoy the journey! 🍽️👨👩👧👦✨
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12 Surprising Thanksgiving Traditions to Know about, Learn and Try
Nov 21, 202400:25:44Tap to summarizeSurprising Ways to Give More Thanks and Create a Better Thanksgiving Together. Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, which focuses on Thanksgiving secrets, traditions, history, and more. Ever wonder why presidents pardon turkeys? Or why cranberry sauce sparks family feuds? This Family Tree Food & Stories episode reveals the quirky history and hidden stories behind America's favorite feast day.You'll learn the details behind: The real story behind presidential turkey pardonsWhy that cranberry sauce debate matters more than you thinkAncient traditions that shaped modern celebrations Game-changing hosting tips from disaster-seasoned prosFrom kitchen catastrophes turned family legends to clever conversation pivots that save dinner, we're sharing battle-tested strategies for holiday success. Learn how to transform traditional recipes, handle unexpected guests, and turn awkward moments into memorable stories.Plus, discover:Ways to give back and give thanks.How to shed a few pounds before you dig into that mealSurprising side dish recipe additionsThanksgiving table talk to ingredient-challenged guestsSkip the usual holiday stress. Join us for laughs, surprising historical tidbits, and practical ideas to revolutionize your Thanksgiving playbook. Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might just find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal. #thanksgiving #butterballhotline #turkey #turkeyrecipe #foodie #familyTime #tradition #storytelling #familyfoodstories #cranberrycauce #turkeydisasters #familytreefoodstories #familytreefoodandstories #gratitude #grace
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Love for Popcorn: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Chef
Nov 14, 202400:04:17Tap to summarizeThe people who make a restaurant a family. A Chef, a Friend, and a Legacy of Kindness.This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show for an excellent reason. Sylvia, Co-Host of Family Tree, Food & Stories, and her husband, Bernie Lovely, the owners of Restaurant Azure and Patio in Lexington, Kentucky, recently woke to a phone call telling them of the sudden and unexpected passing of their Sous Chef, Austin Poplewell "Popcorn." Known for his gentle spirit and culinary creativity, Popcorn’s presence turned their restaurant into a second family, filling it with warmth and laughter. Always sharing, Popcorn often brought family recipes to the kitchen, including that of his grandmother’s butterscotch pie.This is more than a tribute; it’s a reminder of how we build a family through food, laughter, shared stories, and, in this case, a celebration of resilience, passion, and love.Additional LinksInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍My Family Tree, Food & Stories Book/JournalAbout Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal. #tribute #popcorn #souschef #restaurant #family #food #celebrationoflife #kentuckyfamilies
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Strange Connections: Tailgating, Hot Dogs, Adam & Eve, Apple
Nov 7, 202400:15:52Tap to summarizeFrom Adam and Eve's First Bit to Tailgating, Hot Dog Pie, and More: Pull your chair up to the table and listen in to this next episode. What do hot dogs, tailgating, and a centuries-old food tradition have in common? More than you might think! In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, your co-hosts, take you on an unexpected journey through the quirky, funny, and interesting ways food has brought us together.... even from the day of Adam and Eve! Now, there's a food story! Tune into this next episode as they dive into the wild history of tailgating through quirky foodie finds, old and new. Pull your chair up to this next episode where "Every Meal has a Story, and Every Story is a Feast! Additional LinksInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal. #foodie #familyTime #tradition #storytelling #tailgatingrecipes #hotdogs #pie #recipes #familyfoodstories #familytreefoodandstories #adamandeve #biblestories #foodstories
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