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Sweet Team Spotlight: Meet Fred Csibi-Levin!

 


We personally invited some of our loyalist supporters & biggest superfans to create this power team of talented bakers & treat makers!


Meet Fred Csibi-Levin:


Fred, also known as Doc Macaron on social media, is a PhD scientist turned pastry chef & macaron artist. He is passionate about pushing baking boundaries by creating innovative & thoughtful pastries with mouthwatering flavors. 


Fred’s brand focuses on merging baking science with pastry arts. While most Sweet Team Members prefer to work compound coatings, Fred prefers to use our Eleven o’one couverture chocolate line to create his beautiful & dreamy desserts. 


In 2020, Fred’s sweet tooth & extra time led him to try baking for the first time. As a french native, he decided to start with creating macarons. Knowing how tedious these delicious cookies can be to make, it was then he decided to merge his love of science to bring them to perfection. When Fred realized how science could be applied to baking, he fell in love! Who wouldn't love a science experience that ends in a tasty treat?


Now Fred is passionate about teaching others how to bake successfully by providing scientific basis, in a way that is accessible to everyone.  Fred is even available for consulting for your baking needs! Check out his mesmerizing videos of his creations on social media or through his online classes.


When asked about his favorite Stover & Company product Fred says: “I LOVE the eleven o’one thirty three white couverture chocolate because of its flavor & properties, like fluidity, which makes it ideal for many applications including tempering.”


Check out some of Fred’s beautiful work below!



Where to find Fred:

Social Media: @doc_macaron

Website: www.docmacaron.com 


Get to know the rest of Stover’s Sweet Team here!

 

 

Sweet Team Spotlight: Meet Sasha Nary!

We personally invited some of our loyalist supporters & biggest superfans to create this power team of talented bakers & treat makers!


Meet Sasha Nary:

 

Sasha is a self-taught baker, cake decorator, confectionery artist, wife & mom of three! Born & raised in Ukraine, she now lives in Chicago. Besides baking, decorating & creating sugar art, Sasha enjoys outdoor family activities & visiting downtown Chicago’s museums & theaters.  


Sasha started baking with her mother & grandmother at a young age. Even as a young girl, Sasha always wanted to be involved in whatever they were making. She even chose to do her homework in the kitchen, so she could be a part of the baking action! Sasha’s grandmother had a reputation for making amazing cookies & cakes while her mother is known for her lemon tarts, pies & even homemade pizza! Sasha is very proud to inherit a few of their secret recipes, which she has now adapted & recreated into new & unique creations. 


In 2015, Sasha took an unforgettable vacation to Paris which initiated a fire in her to master the art of French pastries. From macarons, to mille feuille, pate a choux & mousse filled pastries, she learned & perfected these French delights, opening the door to cake decorating. Taking a turn from pastry making, Sasha has spent the last two years learning the art of custom cakes & desserts. Her fire for baking is still ignited as she teaches herself every step of the way, celebrating success & learning from failures as she goes through the steps of this new endeavor. 


Now she runs Sasha Cakes Chicago sharing her wealth of knowledge & experience through a fantastic blog, hosts baking lessons, tips & tricks, best tools & shares perfected recipes. Sasha bakes delicious desserts alongside her followers, giving her students confidence by extending her excitement for pastries. 


When asked about her favorite Stover & Company product, Sasha says: 
“Ah, that’s a hard question! I LOVE absolutely ALL of your products! If I had to choose just one, I'd choose your Eleven o’one European Deluxe Compound Coatings for its ease of use. It has a high quality texture, taste & unmatched shine, plus no tempering required. You can’t beat it!”


   


Where to find Sasha:

Instagram: @sashacakeschicago 

Tik Tok: @sashacakeschicago

Website: www.sashacakeschicago.com

Meet the rest of Stover’s Sweet Team here!

 

RECIPE: Chocolate & Caramel Dipped Apples with Salted Caramel Flakes

If you’re looking to create a simple, yet sensational fall treat using our NEW Salted Caramel Flakes, this Chocolate & Caramel Dipped Apples Recipe might be just what you’re looking for! 


Imagine crisp & sweet apples paired with sweetness from Peter’s Caramel & Eleven o’one European Deluxe Milk Compound Coating, topped with salty-sweet caramel flakes, making an irresistible combination!


Ok, enough talk, let’s make these delicious chocolate & caramel apples! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tools:

  • Large Pot
  • Double boiler or microwave safe bowl
  • Confectionary sticks (caramel apple sticks, popsicle sticks)
  • Wax paper
  • Silicone Spatulas

Ingredients:

Instructions: 

Prepare your Workspace: 
Line a baking sheet with wax paper to prevent the apples from sticking to the baking sheet & make cleanup a breeze.


Prepare the Apples: 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In the meantime, remove the stems from the apples.
Carefully dip apples into the boiling water with a slotted spoon for 30 seconds. This will allow the wax on the apples to melt away.
Dry apples with a paper towel & let them cool for at least 30 minutes. Insert a stick into each apple & set in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients. 


Melt the Peter’s Caramel Loaf:

Check out this previous blog post on different ways to melt Peter’s Caramel Loaf. 

 

We recommend this double boiler method:

Prepare a heavy-bottomed saucepan or a double boiler. Ensure the boiling water does not touch the pan or bowl that will hold your caramel as no water should come in contact with your caramel.
Slice the desired amount of Peter’s Caramel Loaf & put it in the bowl going over the double boiler. 
Melt the Peter’s Caramel on low to medium heat, stirring constantly. 
PRO TIP: use a rubber spatula instead of a whisk to minimize air bubbles.
The temperature of your caramel should remain between 160ºF- 180ºF while melting.
Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, remove your Peter’s Caramel from the heat to avoid overcooking or burning.


Melt your Milk Chocolate

As we mentioned, we recommend our Eleven o’one European Deluxe line for this recipe: 

1. Fill a microwave safe bowl with Eleven o’one Milk Deluxe & melt for 30 seconds. 
2. Take out the container & gently shake the small wafers to disperse any hot spots. 
3. Return to microwave & heat for another 30 seconds. Remove & stir. 
4. Repeat this process one or two times more, reducing the time by 10 seconds with each intervol. 
5. When your wafers are about 75% melted, stop the heating process & stir with a silicone spatula. The warm melted wafers will aid in melting the rest of the coating wafers in the dish.
PRO TIP: Ensure your compound coatings do not exceed 90ºF. 

Dip the Apples: 
1. Use the confectionary stick to firmly hold your apple, then gently dip it into the melted caramel, twisting the apple until it is fully covered. 
2. Hold the apple over the pot to allow excess caramel to drip off then wipe the bottom of the apple on the edge of the bowl to create a clean bottom for your treat. 
3. Set your caramel dipped apple on the wax paper lined baking sheet for a few minutes to allow it to set. 
4. Once the caramel has set & cooled on the apples, proceed to dip in your melted chocolate to create a rich top layer.  
5. Before your chocolate layer fully sets, freely sprinkle your Salted Caramel Flakes on top for the perfect finish. The Flakes will adhere beautifully, adding a slight crunch & delightful flavor.

PRO TIPS:

Ensure your apples are fully dry before dipping in Peter’s Caramel Loaf
Ensure your Eleven o’one Milk European Coatings, or compound coatings of your choice are not too hot. Your melted chocolate should not be above 90ºF. 
Ensure your caramel coated apples have set well before dipping in chocolate.
If your compound coating layer has set before you are able to sprinkle the Caramel Flakes on, you can carefully use a culinary blow torch or heat gun to remet the chocolate. 
Your dipped apples will last for 1 week if properly stored & refrigerated. 
So grab your caramel & chocolate & make a detour for the orchid because these apples are sure to be a hit at your next Fall gathering! Happy Harvest!

 

 

 

Product Launch: Salted Caramel Flakes!

 


Introducing our newest & most exciting product yet: Eleven o’one Salted Caramel Flakes! These tiny, crunchy flakes are set to revolutionize your tasty creations by adding a new aspect of deliciousness. Whether you’re a professional baker, or just love whipping up treats from home in your kitchen, our Salted Caramel Flakes are about to become your best kept secret!



So what are salted caramel flakes? 


Imagine delicate flakes of caramel, kissed with a hint of sea salt. These golden nuggets of delight add an explosion of flavor & texture to any treat you add them to, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty & crunchy. 


The best thing about our Salted Caramel Flakes is their remarkable versatility! Here are just a few ways you can use them in your treats:


Topping: Top off your treats with a generous handful of our Salted Caramel Flakes! They make for the perfect finishing touch to your ice cream, cupcakes, brownies, cake pops, caramel apples, chocolate covered pretzels, truffles & so much more! 
Inclusion: Incorporate these delicious flakes into your cookie, muffin or cake batter! The result? Bursts of salted caramel flavor buried in baked goods that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. 
Chocolate Inclusion: Add our Salted Caramel Flakes to your favorite brand of melted compound coatings or couverture chocolate (of course we recommend our Eleven o’one European Deluxe Compounds). Use to mold or enrobe your treats resulting in a shell of delicious chocolate speckled with salted caramel goodness. 

So try our Salted Caramel Flakes today & discover how they can transform your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary! 


Available in 1lb & 5lb bags on Friday, October 27th!


We love to see your creations, so be sure to tag us on social media when you use our products!

Instagram : @stoverandcompany

Threads: @stoverandcompany

Facebook: @stovercompanybaking     

Or share your homemade treats in our Public Facebook Group: Confection Connection

 

Sweet Team Spotlight: Meet Rachel Laukala!

We personally invited some of our loyalist supporters & biggest superfans to create this power team of talented bakers & treat makers & we want to give you a chance to get to know them better!


Meet Rachel Laukala:

 

First & foremost, Rachel is a wife & mom to three crazy boys! As a longtime friend & supporter of Stover & Company, Rachel started making cake pops for family & friends over 10 years ago & quickly found that making sweet treats brought her joy. Creating these little balls of cake covered in chocolate allows Rachel to express her artistic side & she fell in love with the process! That’s when Rachel made the life changing decision to start her very own business: 

 

As a former elementary school teacher, Rachel’s passion is still in educating others, only now she gets to teach through cake pops! Rachel enjoys sharing her knowledge & teaches all her favorite tips & tricks to her students through her online platform School of Cake Pop. 

“My goal is not only to create delicious & beautiful treats, but to also share the wealth of knowledge that I have accrued over the years with bakers who are just starting out, those who are exploring cake popping as a hobby or people who are experienced & want to level up their skills” shares Rachel. 


When asked about her favorite Stover & Company product, Rachel is quick to call out our Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers. “Especially the Sweet Shoppe Ultra White,” she says, “it has been my go to for the last few years! Sweet Shoppe is the only brand that I’ll use because the melting consistency is always perfect! I love that the coatings aren’t as sweet as some other brands I’ve used in the past.”

Rachel is equally as excited about the launch of our new colored coating wafers. “ I love that now I can either color my own melts or choose a ready-to-use colored wafer from the new Sweet Shoppe Colored Compound Line!” 


Check out some of Rachel’s beautiful work below!

 

Where to find Rachel:

Social Media: @cakepopsbyrachel

Website: www.cakepopsbyrachel.com 


PLUS get to know the rest of our Stover’s Sweet Team members here!

 

Save Money with 22lb Merckens Cases

At Stover & Company, we take pride in our commitment to quality & customer satisfaction! As a family owned & operated business, we take customer feedback seriously & adjust where we can to best fit your needs. 

That’s why we’ve decided to make our journey in providing the finest coating wafers even sweeter with this game-changing announcement:

Merckens Cocoa Lite (Milk) , Merckens Cocoa Dark, & Merckens White now available in 22lb cases!

What’s this mean for you? LOWER SHIPPING COST

Did you know shipping costs are calculated by the carrier, based on distance, speed & weight of your order? Packages over 50LBs tend to cost significantly more to ship. That's why we've launched select Merckens flavors in 22lb cases to help reduce your shipping costs

Now you can purchase up to 44lbs of compound coatings, with LOWER shipping options! 

 

 

We heard you! 

Our dedication to providing top-tier chocolate & coating wafers led us to invest in a brand new, state-of-the-art machine, capable of processing & packing down 10,000 pounds of chocolate per hour. This technological leap has opened up new possibilities for us to better serve our valued customers.

As we work hard to get our new, high-capacity machine optimized, we will continue to add 22lb case options to our product lineup, beyond our Merckens offerings. Keep an eye on your favorite chocolates & compounds for new sizing options! 


We thank you for your valued business! 

 

 

 

Enjoy the crisp taste of Fall with our Seasonal Favorites!

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange & yellow, & the air grows cooler, there’s no denying that fall is in the air. It’s a season of cozy sweaters, warm beverages &, of course, delicious treats that capture the essence of autumn. At Stover & Company, we’re excited to share our fall essentials with you. From warm spices of ground cinnamon to rich flavors of Peter’s Caramel loaf, we have everything you need to savor the taste of fall. So let’s dive into our seasonal favorites!


Ground Cinnamon


Fall wouldn’t be complete without the comforting aroma & flavor of cinnamon. Ground Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet & savory dishes. Whether you’re making apple pies, pumpkin bread, or spiced lattes, our high quality ground cinnamon will infuse your recipes with that quintessential fall warmth. 



Autumn Ambers Bundle


Our Autumn Ambers Bundle is a must-have for any fall enthusiast baker! This product bundle includes Sweet Shoppe Milk & White Coating Wafers, cake pop sticks & Artisan Accent’s Chocolate Chameleon oil-based colors in yellow, orange, red & brown. Dip your favorite snacks, fruits or cake pops into the creamy Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers & use the vibrant Chocolate Chameleon colors to add a touch of autumn to your treats. Your desserts will not only taste amazing, but also look picture perfect for your fall celebrations!



Peter’s Caramel Loaf


Peter’s Caramel loaf is a game-changer when it comes to making caramel apples, turtles or chocolate-coated caramel candies. This premium caramel has a rich, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of autumn. Simply melt it down & sip your apples, nuts or candies. Check out this post for further instructions on how to melt Peter’s Caramel Loaf.



Pumpkin Puree


Pumpkin Puree is the essence of fall in a can! Some might argue that this is fall’s #1 ingredient. Whether you’re whipping up pumpkin pies, muffins, or soups, our high-quality pumpkin puree is a convenient choice that captures this season’s flavor. It’s smooth, flavorful & perfect for creating those classic fall recipes that warm the heart & soul. 

 

We love to see what you all create! Tag is your fall related treat posts:

Instagram: @stoverandcompany

Facebook: @stovercompanybaking

Facebook Group: Stover’s Confection Connection 

Tiktok: @stoverandcompany


Happy Fall baking!

 

Come see us at the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show

Calling all candy enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, & confectionery professionals! Get ready for an event that will satisfy your sweet tooth & ignite your passion for all things delicious. The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is just around the corner, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of candy-making, gourmet specialties & snacks, & of course networking with industry leaders. This is an absolute must for anyone with a passion for sweet treats & a desire to stay ahead in the candy industry, PLUS it’s your chance to meet US in person! 

 

Discover the Show:
The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is a premier event that brings together candy shop owners, confectioners, chocolatiers, & industry professionals from all over the country. Explore the latest offerings in every c&y category, from delectable chocolates to gourmet specialties & everything in between. 

WHO: YOU’RE INVITED! 

WHAT: Philadelphia Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show

WHERE: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. 

WHEN: September 10-12, 2023

Click HERE to register.

 

Networking Opportunities:
One of the standout features of the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is the invaluable networking opportunities it offers. As an attendee, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, & exchange ideas with some of the most accomplished figures in the candy industry. Whether you're seeking advice on business strategies, sourcing new suppliers, or simply want to share your own expertise, this event creates the perfect atmosphere for collaboration & growth.


Seminars & Workshops:
To further enrich your candy-making knowledge & skills, this show offers an impressive lineup of seminars & workshops led by top confectionery professionals. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including the latest techniques, market insights, packaging innovations, & emerging trends. By attending these educational sessions, you'll gain invaluable insights that can help you elevate your candy business to new heights.


Meet the Stover Team:
Stover & Company will have a booth at this year’s Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show for the very first time! This is your chance to meet us in person, chat about your favorite products, & lock in special show pricing at booth #517.


As a renowned company in the bakery supply industry & rapidly growing in the confectionery industry, we pride ourselves on providing a vast selection of high-quality products & ingredients. We will be showcasing our exclusive line of domestic & imported compound coatings & couverture chocolate: Sweet Shoppe & Eleven o’one. Prepare to be tantalized by the exceptional taste & quality of our offerings.

To make your visit even sweeter, we will be offering FREE SAMPLES of our exclusive brands at booth #517. Indulge in a diverse range of flavors, textures, & innovations that will delight your taste buds & leave you craving for more. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience firsthand the superior quality & delectable flavors that our products have to offer.

 

We can’t wait to see you there!

Rainbow Cake Pop Recipe using Sweet Shoppe Colored Wafers

Cake pops are the perfect combination of adorable & delicious treats that are sure to impress at any event. With a pop of color from our new Sweet Shoppe Colored Wafers, these cake pops become even more delightful & eye-catching. Whether you're preparing specialty cake pops for a birthday party, baby shower, or just making a fun dessert, this easy to follow recipe will guide you through creating sweet bites of happiness.

Ingredients:


Equipment:

  • Stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatulas
  • Baking pan/Cookie Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Cake pop or lollipop sticks
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Food Processor (optional)
  • Small plastic bags or piping bags (for drizzling)
  • Cake pop stand or styrofoam block


Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake:

  1. Bake your chosen cake according to the recipe or package instructions.
  2. As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, cover it tightly with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. 
    PRO TIP: When you trap the natural steam in with the cake, it will help keep things moist enough to create your cake pops without adding frosting.
  3. After 10 minutes have passed, *carefully* uncover your cake (it will be hot!)
  4. Add large pieces of cake into the bowl of your stand mixer or in a food processor.
    PRO TIP: If you're using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment for this step. 
  5. Using your mixer, slowly crumble the cake until you form a large doughy ball.
  6. Carefully (it will be hot) wrap the dough ball with plastic wrap & let it cool completely. 
    PRO TIP: We recommend letting it cool overnight. 


Step 2: Shape the Cake Balls:

  1. Using your hands, or a small cookie scoop, weigh out the dough into approximately 1.1oz portions.
  2. Roll out the dough into even balls using firm pressure.
  3. Place the cake balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper & cover with plastic wrap to avoid drying out the dough.

Step 3: Melt Sweet Shoppe Colored Wafers:

  1. Melt your Sweet Shoppe Colored Wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.
    PRO TIP: Check out this post or watch this video for step by step instructions.
  2. Stir the compound coating wafers until they are smooth & fully melted.
  3. Use a thermometer to make sure you do not overheat your Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers. Your Coating Wafers should never be heated over 90ºF.


Step 4: Dip & Decorate:

  1. Dip the tip of a cake pop stick into your melted compound coating & insert your cake pop stick about halfway into a chilled cake ball.
  2. Let it dry to secure the cake pop to the melted compound coating, making sure to create a full coverage coating. Gently tap off any excess compound chocolate.
  3. With a scribe or a toothpick, pop any air bubbles before the Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers dry. 
    PRO TIP: popping air bubbles reduces the risk of your cake pops cracking once they dry!
  4. If decorating with Sweet Shoppe sprinkles or Sweet Shoppe sanding sugar, you must act quickly before the cake pop dries completely so they will stick properly. 

Step 5: Drizzle & Decorate:

  1. Melt different colored Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers & pour them into small plastic bags or piping bags.
    PRO TIP: make sure your piping chocolate is not too hot, as piping with hot compound coatings will make your cake pops crack!
  2. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag & drizzle the compound coatings over the cake pops to create a drizzle design.
  3. Immediately sprinkle with decorative Sweet Shoppe sprinkles or Sweet Shoppe sanding sugar before the coating sets.

Step 6: Let Dry:

  1. Insert the other end of your cake pop stick into a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to allow the coating to set without creating a flat top. Sweet Shoppe Compound Coatings only take      a couple of minutes to dry.

Step 7: Let the Cake Pops Set:

  1. Allow the cake pops to fully set & harden before serving or packaging.

These cake pops coated with Sweet Shoppe Colored Wafers are a burst of color & flavor that will delight both kids & adults alike. With a bit of creativity & a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning array of cake pops or dipped treats that will steal the show at any gathering. Enjoy the fun of making, decorating, & devouring these adorable & delicious cake pop treats!

 

Happy Baking!

 

Savor the Spectrum: Introducing Sweet Shoppe Colored Compounds

You asked for them, we listened. Our beloved Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers are now available in SEVEN vibrant colors, each designed to take your treats to new heights!

Color Your World with Deliciously Vibrant Chocolate
Available for purchase starting August 16th, this new collection features a wide range of hues to help you unlock a world of color.  

                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rose Pink: Playful & charming, this pale pink shade is perfect for celebrating life's sweetest moments.

Sunset Orange: Capture the radiance of a sunset with this lively orange, guaranteed to make your treats pop.

Cardinal Red: A bright red hue perfect for holiday creations & paying homage to your favorite sports team.

Sunshine Yellow: Make everyday brighter when you add sunshine yellow to your sweet treats. 

Spring Green: Sparking feelings of freshness & vitality, this calm shade is ideal for desserts that call for a soft touch of nature.

Forest Green: Add a touch of elegance & sophistication to your confections with this rich & regal shade of Forest Green. 

Sky Blue: Dive into the depths of creativity with this calming Sky Blue, reminiscent of the sky above. 


At Stover & Company, we understand the importance of maintaining the consistent quality that our customers have come to love. That's why our Sweet Shoppe Colored Coating Wafers are based on the original Sweet Shoppe Ultra White formula. By using this trusted formula, we ensure that not only will your treats dazzle with color, they will also have the same creamy texture & irresistible taste that you've come to expect from our Sweet Shoppe brand.

 

Create Colorful Creations with Compound Coating Wafers
With our Sweet Shoppe Colored Coating Wafers, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're a professional baker, a home baker, or simply someone who loves to treat their loved ones to something special, our colored compound wafers will allow you to transform your radiant ideas into reality.

Create captivating cake pops that mirror the colors of the rainbow. Craft candies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Dip fruits into an array of hues, turning ordinary snacks into extraordinary delights. Purchase our Color Lovers Bundle for the perfect sampling of this collection! 

For just, $22.00, our Color Lovers Bundle includes: 
1 lb Cardinal Red
1 lb Sunset Orange
1 lb Sunshine Yellow
1 lb Spring Green
1 lb Sky Blue 

 

Looking for custom colors?

Our Sweet Shoppe Coating Wafers paired with Artisan Accent’s Chocolate Chameleon x Sweet Shoppe oil based candy colors will help you achieve a custom shade of your choice! Start with Ultra White for a pure base, or add Artisan Accent’s Chocolate Chameleon oil based colors to one of our colored compounds to create a custom hue. You will use less food coloring when you start with a colored compound coating!

 


We would love to see what you create on our Facebooks Page, Facebook Group: Confection Connection, Instagram or TikTok so be sure to tag us! 

 

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