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Baskin Robbins aims to expand presence in Delhi-NCR with 10-12 new parlours each year, reveals CEO Mohit Khattar

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Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins currently has a presence in 239 cities with over 850 locations.

As the summer season is in full swing, the demand for cold beverages and ice creams has surged, prompting Baskin Robbins to consider expanding its retail presence. The company has recently diversified its product offerings with fresh formats and flavors.

Baskin Robbins is increasing its attention on the Delhi-NCR market, and intends to establish 10-12 new parlours in the national capital region each year. The brand already operates 60 parlours in prominent locations throughout Delhi-NCR, with 30 of them situated solely in Delhi. This strategic expansion plan is aimed at solidifying the brand’s presence in the region and catering to the growing demand for its products.

“The brand has a presence across a total of 269 locations in the North region and 850 plus locations nationally. Additionally, the brand also retails through all leading supermarket chains and modern trade stores as well as leading general trade stores and food service accounts like hotels, restaurants, caterers etc,” it said. 

Baskin Robbins is hoping for the new launches to add to the overall sales during the season. “We are confident that these new products would easily contribute upto 15-20 percent of our parlour sales going forward,” said Mohit Khattar, CEO, Graviss Foods Pvt Ltd – Baskin Robbins.

Khattar said that Baskin Robbins has been witnessing a “steady growth not just in terms of footfalls into its parlours but is also seeing a steady uptake in its online sales”. 

“Now about a third of our sales are coming through online and delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Instamart, Big Basket, Zepto etc,” he added. 

Baskin Robbins has unveiled 17 new products for the summer season, featuring exciting flavors such as caramel milk cake, blueberry and white chocolate, and fruit ninja. The brand has also introduced new ice cream formats, including bite-sized ice creams coated in delicious chocolate called ice cream rocks, ice cream pizzas, ice cream floats, fruit cream sundaes, and fairytale sundaes. These additions aim to offer customers a wide range of delectable options to choose from and enhance their overall experience.

“Chocolate based flavours seem to enjoy a higher popularity amongst discerning audiences in the Delhi market followed by fruit based flavours,” said Khattar while adding that the brand has “pretty high” expectations from its new introductions during the summer season. 

With more than 850 stores, Baskin Robbins has established a significant presence in over 239 cities across India.

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Zepto taps CoinSwitch executive Ramesh Bafna as CFO ahead of planned IPO

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RAMESH BAFNA

Zepto, a quick-commerce startup backed by Y Combinator, has appointed Ramesh Bafna, the former Chief Financial Officer of cryptocurrency firm Coinswitch, as the new head of its finance division. Bafna replaces Jitendra Nagpal, who had joined Zepto just two and a half years ago.

Prior to joining Coinswitch in June of last year, Bafna served as the CFO for Zilingo, a Sequoia-backed company, as well as for Myntra, which is owned by Flipkart.

After serving as the Vice President of Finance for healthtech major PharmEasy, Nagpal intends to establish a venture capital fund to support startups across various sectors soon. In the meantime, he will offer consultancy services to startups. Two individuals familiar with the matter stated that Nagpal’s notice period may expire as soon as next month.

“Ramesh is a best-in-class ecommerce CFO and he will build a best-in-class finance team at Zepto,” Aadit Palicha, CEO of Zepto, said in a statement.

“Through disciplined execution, Zepto is delivering incredible progress on growth and profitability. To take Zepto public in 2-3 years, we believe we need an incredible CFO and Ramesh is the right person for the job,” Palicha said.

Zepto, established in 2021 by Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, has emerged as one of the most well-funded quick-commerce startups in the country, providing stiff competition to Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit, which is owned by Zomato. The company has raised $361 million thus far from investors such as Y Combinator, Nexus Venture Partners, Global Founders Capital, and Glade Brook Capital. Its valuation currently stands at nearly $900 million.

As per the aforementioned individuals, Zepto is presently seeking to secure additional funding.

“Zepto is looking to secure more money given that quick commerce is a cash-intensive business. But we know that it is tough to raise money without disturbing the valuation in this market,” said one of the persons mentioned earlier.

Palicha contradicted the claim that Zepto was raising funds, stating that the company had ample cash reserves.

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Artisanal ice cream market surges past $100 billion as consumers embrace premium quality and unique flavors

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icecream

Market Research Future (MRF) forecasts that the artisanal ice cream market, which was worth $63.6 billion in 2022, will see significant expansion and reach $95.8 billion by 2030, driven by changing customer preferences and tastes.

The artisanal ice cream industry is favored by consumers due to its association with small-batch production, utilization of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and unique flavor combinations that often include experimental additives such as herbs, spices, avocado, nuts, and protein. In addition, there is a growing trend towards diverse textures such as fried ice cream, as well as an increasing demand for healthier options, including protein-enriched, organic, gluten-free, and vegan ice cream, which are all contributing to the market’s growth.

As per industry experts, customers are willing to pay a premium for the quality and taste of artisanal ice cream, despite its higher price point.

Specialized retailers dominated the distribution market in 2021, accounting for the largest share (approximately 35%-40%). North America had the highest market share of $14.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.43% due to increasing health consciousness driving demand for organic products. Although the artisanal ice cream industry in the United States was the largest, the Canadian sector is expected to experience the fastest growth in North America.

Market Research Future projects that by 2030, the share of North America is expected to decrease slightly from its current worth of $14.6 billion due to market oversaturation. However, North America will still lead Europe and Asia-Pacific, as both regions are anticipated to see an increase in their share during this period.

As per Market Research Future (MRF), the United Kingdom will be the biggest market for artisanal ice cream in Europe, with the continent expected to become the second-largest market. While China will continue to be the largest market for artisanal ice cream in Asia-Pacific, MRF predicts that India will become increasingly attractive as demand for this type of ice cream grows.

“Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines,” the analysts said, “which will help the artisanal ice cream market grow even more.” Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organisations.

“In order to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive market environment, competitors…must offer cost-effective items.”

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Xero Degrees, India’s popular cafe chain, eyes 100 new outlets and funding as it approaches 5th anniversary

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Xero Degrees

Xero Degrees, the venture of Kashish Aneja and Shivam Kakkar, is set for a rapid expansion as it approaches its fifth anniversary, with plans to open 100 outlets across India by June 2023.

Xero Degrees, the popular cafe chain known for its Instagram-worthy and affordable offerings, has made a name for itself with its creative and innovative dishes like Fries in a Jar, Pizza in a Jar, and Waffle in a Jar. Since opening its first outlet in Connaught Place, New Delhi, the brand has expanded rapidly, and now, on the verge of its fifth anniversary, is planning to have 100 outlets across India by the end of June 2023. With its recent flagship outlet opening in Koramangala, Bengaluru, the company has five more openings in the pipeline.

Kashish Aneja, Co-Founder, said, “Our commitment to serving the most innovative dishes coupled with our strong social media presence, has fueled a high demand from customers across India. With our explosive expansion plans, we aim to make our brand accessible to more customers, and offer a unique culinary experience.”

As part of their expansion strategy, Xero Degrees is also seeking a Venture Capitalist who can assist them in executing their plans more effectively.

“The next 5 years are going to be crucial for our brand, and we are committed to investing not less than 100 crore to support our expansion plans. The idea is to open company-owned outlets and facilitate a more controlled way of working. While we are slowly shifting our focus on the south and southeast regions of India this year, we will soon be planning a major expansion in the south with a bang,” added Shivam kakkar.

Xero Degrees is not only expanding domestically, but also has international expansion plans, with a focus on targeting countries such as Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

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Indian FMCG giant BL Agro announces INR 1,000 crore investment in dairy industry

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BL Agro

BL Agro, one of India’s top FMCG companies, is venturing into the dairy sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy. The company has pledged to invest INR 1,000 crores by the conclusion of 2025.

BL Agro’s Managing Director, Ashish Khandelwal, has confirmed that the company has procured 109 acres of land in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh and Amreli, Gujarat to establish farms dedicated to cow breeding.

“We are planning to venture into animal husbandry. We will be getting the best of the Brazilian cows to India as they are known for the best products, and then eventually, we will introduce dairy products like milk and cheese into the market,” he said.

BL Agro intends to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a top Brazilian company that specializes in embryo development, animal cloning, and animal feed supplements. The partnership will enable BL Agro to leverage the same technology for embryo development and animal feed supplement production in India.

“The Brazilian cow usually produces 40 litres of milk per day, and the best among the lot produces 60 to 65 litres per day, viz-a-viz. Indian cows produce usually 6 to 7 litres of milk on a daily basis. The climatic conditions of India and Brazil are more or less the same, with minor fluctuations. Therefore, cow products can easily be replicated in India as well,” he explained.

“We aim to develop 7,200 cows during the first year of operations. It will take us at least 2 years to venture into the dairy segment after that,” he added.

The announcement from BL Agro came amidst a significant demand-supply gap in the dairy sector, largely driven by heightened consumption of safe, hygienic, and nutritious milk and milk products following the pandemic.

During a recent press conference, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh reported that India’s milk production remained stagnant in the 2022-23 fiscal year due to the prevalence of lumpy skin disease in cattle. Meanwhile, domestic demand grew by 8-10% during the same period, driven by a resurgence in post-pandemic demand.

In addition to this, milk prices have experienced a substantial rise in the past six months and are expected to continue increasing due to a shortage leading into the peak demand season.

BL Agro clocked INR 3,800 crores in revenue last fiscal and is eyeing to close this fiscal at an estimated revenue of INR 6,000 crores. “By 2026-2027, we expect to have a turnover of INR 10,000 crores for our mustard oil brand, Bail Kolhu, and our staples brand, Nourish,” Khandelwal said. The company, which has a production capacity of 900 metric tonnes per day, currently offers 80 SKUs under the brands Bail Kolhu and Nourish.

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Nestle expands its product range by launching lean cuisine balance bowls to support blood sugar management

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Lean Cuisine Balance Bowls

Nestle has created a range of delicious and nourishing Lean Cuisine Balance Bowls to assist individuals in controlling their blood sugar levels.

Lean Cuisine is the inaugural brand to offer complete meal options and participate in the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Better Choices for Life Program, which follows frozen entrée nutrition guidelines, ensuring that the meals meet the program’s standards.

“Our culinary team worked alongside nutritionists and members of the ADA to ensure that our meals are crafted with filling flavors and well-balanced ingredients that help consumers achieve their personal nutritional goals,” says Kat Amrhein, Brand Manager, Lean Cuisine. “Each frozen entrée contains 400 calories or less, a serving of vegetables, and zero grams of added sugar.”

Containing a substantial amount of protein and fiber, the Balance Bowls are available in four delectable and nutritious varieties, namely Tex-Mex Rice and Black Beans, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry, Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Pasta, and Creamy Pasta Primavera. These meals are adorned with the ADA Better Choices for Life logo on their packaging, making them easily identifiable for customers while shopping in stores.

Jennifer Paine, Head – Nestlé’s R&D unit, Solon, Ohio, said, “We used a test and learn approach to develop these great-tasting meals that make it easy for people managing blood sugar levels to enjoy a nutritionally balanced diet. After a successful pilot through our U.S. R+D Accelerator, we are excited to launch the meals on a much wider scale under the Lean Cuisine brand.”

Nestlé’s R+D Accelerator program was instrumental in bringing the initial recipe ideas to market in just six months. The Accelerator team collaborated with a variety of Nestlé experts, including chefs, product developers, nutritionists, and regulatory scientists, to create these meals. Following a limited release in 2022, the Nestlé teams continued to refine the recipes and add new varieties. These enhanced meals will now be available nationwide at select U.S. retailers starting in April 2023.

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NightOwl expands its offerings with new line of RTD espresso martinis for coffee and cocktail lovers

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NightOwl

This month marks the debut of NightOwl Martini and its new line of canned cocktails, which includes the ready-to-drink Espresso Martini. The line features two variants: The Classic, which is crafted with Vodka, and The Original, which is made with Tequila.

NightOwl is catering to consumer trends and preferences by highlighting Tequila in the Espresso Martini recipe. Both variants feature premium real spirits, natural coffee with 100mg of caffeine, and an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 12.5%.

NightOwl’s inception can be traced back to a group of experienced entrepreneurs with a background in the hospitality and beverage industry. Like many consumers and bartenders, they loved the taste of Espresso Martini but were put off by the inconsistent recipes and inconvenient process. After a two-year journey of research and development, sourcing the freshest coffee beans and premium NOM: 1110 tequila, as well as gluten-free vodka from overseas, NightOwl was born. The brand offers a convenient take on the classic cocktail, made with quality ingredients that differentiate it in terms of taste.

Kat Huber, Brand Manager, NightOwl Martini, said, “Our formula is simple – just two shots of espresso, one shot of alcohol, and a hint of vanilla for balanced sweetness. No malt liquors, no agave wines and no artificial flavors. We like to think of it as espresso martinis in their purest form. Our team was not willing to sacrifice quality or taste to rush to market, and we’re confident that espresso martini lovers everywhere, whether that is a consumer at home, or bartenders at bars and restaurants alike, will welcome NightOwl to the party.”

NightOwl’s Tequila and Vodka styles come in a 4-pack of 200ml cans, priced at an SRP of $19.99 per pack for convenience. The brand is available for purchase on its direct-to-consumer site, DrinkNightOwl.com, in 38 states. This month, NightOwl will also launch in various locations across NYC, Long Island, and the Hamptons, as well as key bars and restaurants in the Miami and Palm Beach markets. Keep an eye out for NightOwl’s debut in the wild.

To expand its reach, NightOwl has teamed up with Park Street to self-distribute in New York and Florida. The brand has also established a strong in-house marketing and sales team, as well as collaborated with key agencies to support its presence in the market. In the upcoming weeks and months, consumers can expect to see NightOwl at various events across New York and Florida as the brand continues to activate its marketing strategies.

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Blinkit temporarily unavailable after delivery partners protest revised payment system

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blinkit
blinkit

Zomato’s grocery arm, Blinkit, has been rendered “temporarily unavailable” following the closure of 50 stores located in various areas of Delhi-NCR. This development occurred as a result of protests by delivery partners linked to the unit over alterations made to their payment system.

Blinkit’s updated payment scheme stipulates that its delivery personnel will now earn a minimum compensation of INR 15 per delivery, as opposed to the earlier rate of INR 25 per delivery. At the same time, customers attempting to place orders through the unit’s application have encountered difficulties in recent days, with a “temporarily unavailable” message appearing due to high demand.

Videos circulating on social media exhibit Blinkit’s delivery executives protesting against the revised payment structure.

Kapil Mishra, a leader of the BJP, criticized Blinkit’s management team regarding the matter.

“Some Blinkit employees met me today. The injustice Blinkit is doing to its employees is illegal. The Blinkit management is playing with the lives of lakhs of families. It must implement the old payment structure immediately. Reduction from INR 25 per delivery to INR 10-15 is cheating with the employees,” Mishra tweeted in Hindi.

Zomato’s other food delivery services remained unaffected, while Blinkit faced issues. Zomato had acquired Blinkit (previously called Grofers) in 2022 for $550 million as part of its entry into the “quick commerce” space.

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How mushroom can help you lose weight and achieve your fitness goals

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mushroom

Mushrooms are the most underrated and versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They come in many different types, each with its own unique flavor and texture, making them a popular ingredient in both home cooking and professional kitchens. Here’s a closer look at the taste, types, and versatility of mushrooms.

Taste:

Mushrooms have a distinct and earthy flavor that can be described as meaty, nutty, or savory. This flavor comes from a combination of natural compounds, including glutamate and guanylate, which are also found in foods like meat and cheese. The texture of mushrooms can also vary, from soft and silky to firm and chewy, depending on the type and preparation.

Types:

There are many different types of mushrooms, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types of mushrooms include:

  1. Button mushrooms: These are the most common type of mushroom and have a mild, earthy flavor.
  2. Portobello mushrooms: These mushrooms are larger and have a meatier texture, with a more intense flavor.
  3. Shiitake mushrooms: These have a slightly sweet and smoky flavor and are often used in Asian dishes.
  4. Oyster mushrooms: These have a delicate and nutty flavor, with a velvety texture.
  5. Enoki mushrooms: These have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, with a delicate texture.
  6. Morel mushrooms: These have a rich and earthy flavor and a sponge-like texture.

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries. They can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or even eaten raw. They can also be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes, thanks to their meaty texture and umami flavor.

Mushrooms are also a great addition to many types of cuisine, from Italian to Asian. They can be used as a topping on pizzas, mixed into pasta dishes, or added to risottos. In Asian cuisine, mushrooms are often used in soups, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.

Mushrooms are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add flavor, texture, and nutrition to a wide range of dishes. With their unique taste, different types, and versatility, they are a must-have ingredient in any kitchen

Health Benefits

Mushrooms offer a range of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet. For starters, they are low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, certain types of mushrooms have been found to have immune-boosting properties and may even help to fight infections. Some studies have also suggested that mushrooms may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. Overall, incorporating mushrooms into your diet can be an easy way to support your overall health and well-being.

How Can Mushrooms Help in Weight Loss?

But did you know that mushroom even acts as a very efficient tool for weight loss?

Mushrooms are an excellent food choice for those looking to lose weight and achieve their fitness goals. Not only are they low in calories and fat, but they also offer a variety of health benefits that can support weight loss and overall wellness.

Here are some ways that mushrooms can help you lose weight:

  1. Low in calories and fat: Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight. One cup of sliced mushrooms contains just 15 calories and less than one gram of fat.
  1. High in fiber: Mushrooms are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. This can help prevent overeating and reduce overall calorie intake.
  1. Rich in nutrients: Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, including vitamins B and D, potassium, and selenium. These nutrients can help support overall health and wellness, which is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
  1. Supports metabolism: Some studies suggest that mushrooms may help support a healthy metabolism, which can help the body burn calories more efficiently.

Mushrooms are a great food choice for those looking to lose weight and achieve their fitness goals. With their low calorie and fat content, high fiber content, and nutrient density, they can provide a range of health benefits to support weight loss and overall wellness. So, consider adding more mushrooms to your diet and see how they can help you reach your fitness goals.

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Experience the savory delights of Chicken Spaghetti with WickedGud Spaghetti

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WickedGud Spaghetti

The vibrant green pesto sauce made with freshly picked basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. And let’s not forget about the succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, adding a burst of protein to the dish.

The pesto sauce’s tangy and slightly nutty flavors complement the chicken’s mildness, creating a perfect harmony of taste. With each bite, you’ll savor the explosion of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds come alive.

So if you are ready to indulge in a mouth-watering dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight? Look no further than chicken spaghetti in pesto sauce! This irresistible dish is a combination of tender chicken pieces and al dente spaghetti noodles, all coated in a rich and flavorful pesto sauce.

WickedGud Fiber Durum Wheat Spaghetti 

When it comes to cooking chicken pesto spaghetti, choosing the right type of spaghetti can make all the difference. That’s why you should try using WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti for your recipe.

So, what makes WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti different from regular spaghetti? Well, as the name suggests, it has twice the fiber content of traditional spaghetti. This is because it is made from durum wheat, which is a hard and high-protein wheat that is perfect for pasta making. This wheat is milled into a fine semolina flour that gives the spaghetti its unique texture and taste.

The extra fiber in WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti comes from the outer bran layer of the wheat grain that is left intact during processing. This layer is rich in fiber and nutrients, making the spaghetti not only delicious but also healthier than regular spaghetti.

In terms of health benefits, WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti is a great choice for those looking to improve their digestive health. The extra fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements and can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, the high protein content in durum wheat spaghetti can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

So, if you’re looking to add some extra nutrition and health benefits to your chicken pesto spaghetti recipe, try using WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!

So, get ready to transport your taste buds to Geno, Italy with Pesto, also known as Pesto alla Genovese (Genoese Pesto in English)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup store-bought pesto sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the pesto chicken mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti and stir until the cheese is melted and the spaghetti is coated in the pesto sauce.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious chicken in pesto sauce spaghetti, made even better with WickedGud fibre durum wheat spaghetti!

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