Do You Cheat While Cooking?

round chapati - round chapati with or without a cheat code
@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
February 24, 2012 12:40am CST
Hi friends and lotters I can cook, but cannot make chapatis round unless I use a Cheat Code No matter how hard I try, doing the dough is easier, cooking chicken or even Indian Delicacies is much easier to me than doing the Chapatis. Unless I go for the cheat codes, there is no way I can make them as round as mom or wifey or even the chefs at the hotels. I always end up with different shapes mostly resembling Australia or even the craters of moon (as shown on TV?). The stalwarts did try their best to teach and train me but I have no regrets in saying I have been their worst nightmare. One of my cousin sisters taught me how to cheat... She used a bowl to make them round. I obeyed and it seems I have been a better student with her. Yesterday, I even surprised my wife when I did the chapatis and they were rounder than hers(thanks to the cheat codes)... and she happily concluded... I am a good student.(Nah, not a good thing but sometimes even the bad wins) Anyways, I do not need comments on my cheat codes... they are working and good hehehehe... But what I would need to know is - Am I all Alone in this game of cooking or you dear ones too cheat while cooking! I hope to find something interesting worth trying Have a Great Day (already used up the allowed 3... please allow some more dear admin) theSids. ps: for non-indian friends who might be wondering what is a round chappati, I am attaching a pic of a better one, prepared without any cheat codes I guess
12 people like this
32 responses
@thanks1961 (7035)
• India
24 Feb 12
Hi dear, When we require to make more 'puri's this cheat code is so special in our area. We will make a large (rounded) CHAPPATI and make 8-10 small puris using the wonder code. Simply take and ordinary steel glass and plung on the chappati and remove it out and make several puris instantly. When turns to general cooking, I know how to make most of the dishes and variety of curries. Only thing, I don't like anyone around while I am in the kitchen. I prefer to be alond and enjoy the session completly. But not regular, once in a while when I am in a good mood, especially nobody at home, I used to enjoy cooking. But I can make better chappaties in good shape but not that taste... Thank-s
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi thanks Ah of course, the poories - they have to be rounder and it is a must otherwise they wont be called Pooris I know if I have to do any of them, I will be now well trained. I have seen some people do this at the hotels (the local ones at the road sides). They say they dont have to time to do all the big labor while doing them. I guess, we can be better cooks when we have the time and patience. Granny always told that cooking needs a lot of patience and I am sure I have proven it n times that I cannot have anything called patience near me
1 person likes this
@Jotomy (6322)
• India
24 Feb 12
@thanks hello anna how are you? If you make good chappaties, want to add taste to it, i will give you small tip. Add little sugar and salt, mix with milk and also add little mida flour then see.
1 person likes this
• India
24 Feb 12
Hi Jo, You are there!!! It is so nice to talk to you again. Normally we used to add required salt. Nothing else. Any way, I (we) will try this tomorrow itself. I will pass on this new experiment to my kitchen department head and will enjoy tomorrow's break-fast. Regards, KKT
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
24 Feb 12
Dear Sidhu, I am not that much expert but I think I can make it. If you want to learn it without using a ‘cheat code’ you can enroll with your jeeju, he is an expert in this (sadly expert only this) and he will make it much better than using the ‘cheat codes’. So, when you are coming to learn this?
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
24 Feb 12
Sidhu, But Summer season is already booked, you are bit late with your invitation.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
hi didi Really! That is great news. I will learn this art from dear jeeju. Wait. You and family were invited and supposed to be with me this summer...
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Oh! okay so let us do it after summer vacations... sometime in Dusshehera? or XMAS? Never to late I guess
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 12
Hi Bhai! Your beloved Behen does not cook so I don't see how you are cheating. A cook or chef should use whatever he or she can used to make a delicious dish! So as a Very bias party I must say I'm proud of my Bhai! He cooks ! I don't care How or what method , he is Very talented!
2 people like this
• United States
24 Feb 12
Oh Bhai! You fill my heart with joy. I'm a very picky eater. All I would want is some plain chicken and some naan.I don't eat that much spice.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi behen Your bhai didnt know any cooking until he realized that hotel bills are high and also got him ill... so he decided to do his own food. Today though he has learned some art and secrets and is a better cook. I am sure if we ever met, I would definitely have some indian dishes for you and dont worry about the spicy ones, I will try to have them less spicy if you want
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Awesome... Chicken is my pick too. Though Naan cannot be done at home (bhai doesnt have that Tandoor) but the chapatis will be a good substitute... And yes, I love Chicken Stew (that is better as it has some curry too )
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
Good Morning dear sids, Chapati...I missed it :( I know how to make one without using any cheats, but I admit I am not that good either (at least I can make one without using a bowl to make it round -hahaahha) Don't be too proud my dear brother. I will come there one day and tell your wife and mom you cheat while doing the chapatis
2 people like this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
I will, who knows. Shiby is getting married and he will send me my ticket I am more excited to see you cooking the chapatis, holding the rolling pin and wearing apron, than how you cheat
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Great News... as long as you visit me... Shibhams marriage or any other reason becomes immaterial... I will also learn some good Philipino dishes from you during your stay here. Just let me know when you arrive and what you love to have... I will try to serve you with the best I can do at Cooking
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi di Great! I find it difficult to reveal my secret to them... and I also want to get rid of the pain that I lie to them at times (like yesterday when i did not reveal how come they were so round) So it is surely going to be good for me when you arrive and reveal them the secret... I think the list of tasks when you visit me is growing each day now... and you should visit soon so that the next time list becomes smaller
2 people like this
• Singapore
24 Feb 12
a couple of curry puffs - A deep fried snack made from flour with fillings inside, common ones being curry chicken, potatoes and sometimes eggs.
thesids! You are intent on making me hungry, can I come over now to try one (round or moon-faced I don't mind ) Surely the cheat code is the easiest way around the problem. When I need to cook curry puffs (photo also attached), I would use a mug of suitable size to cut out the dough, it the puffs even in size. This is not cheating, this is called clever use of resources to make more presentable products. I mean if they look ugly, they won't get eaten right? Then there's no point in making them right?
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi bluemoon The best part of being a chef is that I love to do something which I feel quite happy about - sharing the food I cook. So anytime you want you are free to drop in and say Hi... Anything for lunch or dinner or even evening snacks... I am ready to serve you... the only limitation - I have limited access to many food I cook so I have my own versions of those... like for example you may want to eat baby corn and mushrooms - as baby corn is not always readily available, you will be served muchrooms with anything else that I can find at the moment The clever use of resources is something that my part of world denies to accept, and insists on it is cheating but no worries, I am happy that sometimes I get things done to make them happy and smile
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Great. In winters I can make some Green Paneer for you - spinach paste, corrainder paste and Paneer or in normal seasons it can be green peas and paneer or even paneer mushrooms... I love paneer too and its english name as I have been told is Cottage Cheese.
1 person likes this
• Singapore
24 Feb 12
I guess the most enjoyable part of being a chef is seeing others eat the food you cook and they find it delicious! I find that most satisfying. However as I am not a good one, I seldom get that praise Don't mind having that mushrooms with cheese. One Indian dish I like is paneer, however it is cooked, I loved it!
1 person likes this
@nurseclare (2209)
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
You won't have anything interesting from me because I'm a newbie from cooking, i ust cook simple dish at home. But i am wondering what chappati taste like and what is the ingredients.. what was your cheat code?what excatly you did to your chapatti?i was a bit confused.thanks
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi nurseclare Chapati is an indian dish - made of wheat flour. The cheat code... as I mentioned - my cousin taught me to use a bowl to make that round in shape.
2 people like this
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
hahhaa! I've read it already, i think i skipped that stanza! I'm sorry.. that taste like a bread?what does it taste? I
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Thanks dear. Yes, it does taste something like bread... a roasted one. I know it is quite difficult to explain but I can keep trying
2 people like this
@sharay (2769)
• India
24 Feb 12
even i dont get the perfect round shape while making chappathi's, but it does not look like some country's map either...I have a doubt, did they believe that you made them on your own without any help, i hope not because with a bowl or any vessel for that matter, the cut would be neat and clean, so from that they could easily identify that you had used something to get that shape...
1 person likes this
@sharay (2769)
• India
24 Feb 12
oh...you followed the trick very well then... mine are round yes, but not perfectly edged, thats all, apart from that, i used to make different shapes like a heart or a balloon or a cartoon face, that depends on what my daughter's request is for that day, with the help of a knife
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
i do appreciate your love for your daughter dear. I loved the design ideas and am sure I would be trying out any of these as soon as possible... maybe Monday as I will be traveling this weekend (back to home after a week of celebration with friends)... I would surprise my wife with that heart shaped ones and some balloon ones... Though we do not have kids yet, I play the kid at home...
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi sharay You are quite right, if I did make all of them perfect rounded ones, eyebrows would have definitely been raised so I played safe, tried some not that rounded ones too. That helped and did not catch their attention. You mention that yours dont look like any country's map... may I ask what else they look like! I ask you because I want to know the different shapes I can try - maybe some will meet the fancy of their eaters here
2 people like this
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
Well Sid baiy I'm so surprised about the things you said in cooking well for me I love cooking and your lucky to know the "cheat code" its a molder your referring to the shape of Chapatis to be round in shape. I'm now here in saudi and a lot of time I eat kubus or tamis which different term in name but just the same in ingredients and parata fried in oil, I'm looking at the Pakistani when he get the dough and turn it into round shape, well for me shape is not important but the taste is much important for me the way you cook it the right temperature to make it more crunchy and tasty with the help of the other sauce available for me I like to try to put a tomato sauce and topping it with cheese and green pepper and chili sauce taste like pizza ... you just learn the technique on how to add art from your mastership to cook Chapatis
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi laisbonita if you dont mind, Your name reminds me of Madonna's - la isla bonita Well for someone who understood and mentioned Paratha! These parathas are easier to make as they are not round (traditionally these are triangular). But dear, like you I too believed that shapes are not important when it comes to food. But then I was told that if it is not a good looking thing many will refrain from it. Sometimes I find this true as I too like to try out a newer dish if it looks yummy. But I take your advice with complete sincerity and will follow it for sure - you just learn the technique on how to add art from your mastership to cook Chapatis - something which will help me be a better chef so what only at home
1 person likes this
@myfb2009 (8296)
• Malaysia
24 Feb 12
Hi Thesids, although i am quite good in cooking but indeed not easy to be a perfect cook. Some of the recipe is not easy to learn. Even though i had been practising them for years, i still can't cook and make them perfectly. So, most of the time, i will look for the best and easier solution to overcome my cooking problem. For example, i can cook well the filing of curry puff. But, unable to do the puff covering by using my hands. So, i decide to buy the puff mold. At least now, whenever i want to make curry puff, my puffs will looks beautiful and perfectly.
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi myfb Yehey, I am so happy and excited reading this I am not all alone... I felt that food was to be eaten and did not have much about looks but then, sometimes, the appetite and taste buds go drooling all over the items just because they look so very delicious and yummy
@Jlyn10 (11965)
• Malaysia
25 Feb 12
Curry puff? I've got to try your curry puff one day. Let me know when you're making them and I'll be there immediately.
@vandana7 (100585)
• India
24 Feb 12
sids..what am I going to do with you..your cheat code is age old trick they use to make large scale puris. Anyway...I am also hopeless with any of those breads. I am fairly ok with making dough, (I think), and rolling (again I think). But frying..papa has to do. We never make rotis, or chapatis. So scared of cholesterol. lol. But phulkas, yes. Every evening. As I said, I am scared of frying it on the fire..but it tastes good, so ..
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (100585)
• India
25 Feb 12
I start the day with a large cup of tea or coffee - generally tea. Then, around 8.30 am I have breakfast, which can be five idlis, four slices of bread, four dosas, one bowlful of cornflakes, or a bowl of porridge. :) Then give another couple of hours gap. I munch something - may be peanuts, or some snacks. (this is something I gotta cut down on). Lunch is always late because papa rarely is around in time. So lunch is around 2.30 or even 4 pm at times. :) Rice two vegetables and dal and curds. I like pickles so one round of pickles is mandatory. :) Fruit. That is how I keep doctors away. lol. And then at 6 pm tea, with a little bit of snacks (bad habit). Dinner is usually at 9.30 or so. I eat two phulkas with lots of vegetables - preferred ones - cabbage, cauliflower, ladies fingers, beans and carrots, and rajma. I like brinjal and drumstick varieties with rice so I dont touch them in evenings. I am a vegan. Very rarely I do take eggs but it is more because I fear I will get sick without those proteins. :) Do not really like those egss. :( And I hate doctors. They really dont make sense to me. I mean I could meet with an accident and die tomorrow. At least I should be allowed to eat what I want to eat till I die. Rotten lot. I bet they will all go to hell.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi vandana I can understand. The puris on the large scale are a daunting thing. Havent ever rolled out beyond 10 at a go. But I have seen people who cook at the weddings etc do that way. Cholesterol apart, these do taste great - only thing - the doctors have said a Big NO to oily stuff.. (I think they dont have any taste buds on their tongues and all they understand and find tasty are those horrible medicines) So what do you normally have in your dinner (I believe the lunch is mostly rice - I too have rice in the day - good thing to have during summers)
@Jotomy (6322)
• India
24 Feb 12
Hi anna, my husband do the same, he likes cooking and he cooks so well, but chappatis he can't he always try to fry it. I guess not only men but but also woman will apply this cheat code to get chappatis round.
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi akka Hmmm, I can understand... as the cheat code came to me from my cousin sister years ago. A few months back when she visited me, I asked her if she still uses that or has learned the trick... she said - there is no need to learn the trick as she is still uncaught I tried doing the chapati with maida and sprite (cold drink) - I learned this from a local chinese food restaurant - the rolls you know. they use sprite to soften the dough and it works. The chapatis are softer and stay good even overnight. Thanks for your tips on page 1 - the milk one, I will try it out next time when I prepare the chapatis(most likely Monday)
2 people like this
@ajk111 (2495)
24 Feb 12
i am a bad boy for cheating with spices. for example when i do chilli i buy ready packed spices to put in it. i guess it is a matter of cost as buying jars would be 10 times more expensive.
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi ajk Oh! so this is the same story at your end too, I thought this happens here at my place only. As we are just two people, we find it easier to buy things in sachets as they are less in quantity - so they get finished in the right time before the dates of expiry (though many spices dont come with the dates of expiry or even best use before). Also these smaller packs are cost effective.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 Feb 12
How about the taste of your cooking? I don't mind getting any shape as long as it has good taste. Hahaha! And you don't need to cheat just to cook any menu. Let me ask you. What do you think are you going to do if you will be asked to put up a show (perhaps just in your home where your relatives and friends are your audience) to let people know how you make your beautifully shaped chappati?
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi Piloncitos Loved reading your response dear. Specially the last part wherein you ask me to have a show to share my hidden talents But, apart from these I can cook anything eatable and I am a little better than my wife (I cannot dare say this for my mom as she has been the best cook I have known). For letting them know the secrets... well, I can try to do this but then I am scared of the after effects
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
25 Feb 12
A more methodical and logical way to showcase and still hide the essence and the reason for the show Diplomatic Me
• Philippines
25 Feb 12
I have an idea. When you will do the show and you are in the part where you're about to use your cheat code, you can just turn your back around. That way your audience won't be able to see what you are doing. Just make sure you have your cheat code stuffs prepared behind your back hehehe!
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
24 Feb 12
What, exactly, is a cheat code? It sounds like what we'd call a biscuit or cookie cutter that cuts dough into a specific shape. I personally don't see what's wrong with "cheating" a bit to make a prettier finished product. Many cooks have their little secrets.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi bagarad Dear, I missed you. Okay, so these cheat codes do have a name... now I know - the biscuit cutters or even the cookie cutters I think if they have a name, so they might be available here in the markets too... surely try to find some As for my cheat code - I use a bowl which is much better in round shape. That helps me have a larger sized chapati and that too nearly a perfect round shaped... Never thought shapes were that important but then, they do reflect that I am a better cook
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Oh dear. I wish you good health. And yes, I feel happy reading - Don't think of it as cheating -- just creativity and using tools. Something that helps me in feeling good and overcome the feeling that I am a cheater
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
24 Feb 12
It's nice to be missed. My husband and I are taking turns having the flu. I'm over it for now and he's coming down with it again. So I'm trying to take care of myself and not get it back. We have cookie cutters of all shapes and sizes here. We also have patterns made of plastic to help people rolling out pie crusts to make a perfect circle of a certain size. But using a glass of the right size probably works just as well. If you need something larger, you could use a bowl. Don't think of it as cheating -- just creativity and using tools.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
24 Feb 12
I think different shapes are fun. But since you use it to put things on and fold it to eat, I think you probably need the round. There is a cheating thing that people buy to use to make pie dough here. It's a round plastic bag. The person can make the dough in the bag by using a rolling pin over the dough in the bag. So round is not an easy shape for people to make. I love pancakes that are all different shapes. I call my pancakes clouds because they're all different shapes like the clouds. The only thing that goes on top is butter, or maple syrup, or honey or jam. So they can be any shape. I haven't tried making crepes which need to be round if you put something in them. But I imagine if I did, I would have to find a way to cheat, too. Glad you cook. Glad you have fun cooking, too. Glad every thing is easier than the Chapatis and you've figured out a way to make them really round! Cheating, too harsh a word. Maybe assisted in making things round. Take care and have fun cooking.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi writers your great description of the pancakes (err sorry the pancake clouds) has got me again. I remember you had a discussion on these sometime back. I must admit that when I am all alone and cooking for myself only, I dont bother much about the shapes and sizes, they all go well as I am lazy and know I cannot do better for just me. But yes, I love cooking and there are many dishes I love to cook. Chapati is a recent item on my list as I always had my mom or brothers wife or even my wife do it. Now when my wife is away and I have to cook, I dont have much escape. Maybe assisted in making things round I love this :) Take Care
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
24 Feb 12
Well...as long as they turn out better..Plus...no one can really tell that there were cheat codes..we might have to call it something else. Improvising is what I like to call it when I don't go exactly the way that I am supposed to where cooking is concerned. If they accuse us of cheating..we will deny it gracefully and say..no..we were improvising. Then we will act mad and say..just because it's not your way doesn't mean it's wrong!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Feb 12
Yes..the wife might be a bigger challenge They look wonderful judging by that picture. They remind me of what we call "Turkey pot pies" here. Of course they are made with other things besides turkey so they are called based on the ingredient. ex. chicken, beef, turkey...those are most common here. I really like them. They have gravy, the main ingredient, and vegetables underneath a crust. Mmmmm...I am getting hungry just thinking of it..lol.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
25 Feb 12
Hi JenInTN Actually this did happen in real with me when I told mom - just because it's not your way doesn't mean it's wrong (and learned that I should never say this to wife ) - Mom threw me out of the kitchen and said - Dont mess my territory... Okay, I was learning those days... Mom was good and did the cooking... But I doubt if wife will... Seriously, I love to cook and will be happy if I get to shorten the time I take to do these chapatis
@topffer (42156)
• France
24 Feb 12
Hello thesids, I am not bad at cooking, but I have some gaps : making a pastry for a tart is a torture, so I buy it already prepared. And I am also a bit lazy. By example, preparing a sauerkraut with crude sauerkraut takes at least 3 hours. Buying it already cooked does not cost more, and my sauerkraut with meat can be prepared in half an hour.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi topffer Time savers Normally we dont get all the intermediate things in the local market here at my place. That makes some tasks really difficult and I avoid such dishes which take a lot of time to cook... much because of impatience that is so deeply embedded into me But still there are some lucky days when I do cooking nonstop for 3 hours. Specially on our birthdays and wedding anniversary(if we both have time and luck to share the lunch together). The dinner on these days is mostly at my parents place or even at a hotel...
1 person likes this
@akp100 (13640)
• India
24 Feb 12
Hi bro That's funny. Usually I don't cook but still on few occasions I have to and I always gets duty of making chapatis.. and I am worse in it.. I don't use cheat codes like you( but its really good option) and all my family members eat those weird shape chapatis with lots of laugh.. I guess it is quite hard for me to make round chapati but its quite easy for some people..
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
Hi b'rather Look at this - You get to cook and the only item they hand you is Chapatis So I am happy that I have provided you with some tips and cheat codes to make a better impression... but just be careful... if they get into the habit of getting great looking perfect rounded ones from you... they will always ask you to do them So my dear bro... be careful
@akp100 (13640)
• India
27 Feb 12
Ha ha... Yup... Then I guess I should continue with those unshaped chapatis only..
@Jlyn10 (11965)
• Malaysia
25 Feb 12
Hi sids I don't mind having Australia shaped chapati so long as it taste good. Can you do Malaysia? I think with lots of practice, you will be perfect.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
25 Feb 12
Hi Jlyn So the wonderlady wants malaysia... used MyLot Search... it said you have a better atlas in your kitchen (maybe it doesnt want to give me any more cents ! GRRR! But no worries. I will try to do that malaysia... and dont complain if I dont get the dimensions to the scale
@akp100 (13640)
• India
27 Feb 12
Making maps...!! I can make mountains quite easily when I go for cook.. Its my speciality.
@Jlyn10 (11965)
• Malaysia
27 Feb 12
How can I complain when someone cooks for me?
@sjvg1976 (41290)
• Delhi, India
24 Feb 12
Hello Sids, Its better that you can make chapatis at least don't matter if you make it round or triangle as utlimately it has to go inside stomach. I don't know cooking i don't remember last time when i made chapatis but remember those were not round of course.I left cooking as i knew it that i cannot make chapatis*hehehe*
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
24 Feb 12
hi sjvg the first day when I tried my hands at the chapatis... they came out black and even tasted burned flour... Then I learned to manage the temperature of the tawa and it was quite alright. Today, though they do get burnt at places and even stay uncooked at some others... but the shapes are better... thankx to my cousin. Now it needs more practice from me to avoid them stay uncooked or even overcooked... I hope that there is no cheat code to these and I will have to keep practicing
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