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Fish and Shrimp Soup (Ukha Recipe)

A white bowl of fish and shrimp soup, ukha, with a spoon, and bread bun besides it

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I’ve been working on creating the perfect fish and shrimp soup and this one really hit the spot. The fish is perfectly tender and flaky.

Light, but full of flavor; a major comfort soup. Ukha is a traditional Russian soup and you can absolutely use a freshly caught fish just like our ancestors would have except I was too lazy to pick the bones out of a fish. And I was too lazy to go fishing and catch a fish. That being said, my fish came from the freezer aisle of Fred Meyer. Don’t judge me.

Ingredients for Fish and Shrimp soup:

10 cups water
2 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth
1 Tbsp salt
3 medium potatoes
2 medium carrot, thinly sliced
12 oz tilapia fish fillets, cut into 1″ pieces
1/2 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash
1/8 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp fresh parsley or 1 Tbsp dried parsley

fish-and-shrimp-soup

1. In a large soup pot over high heat, add 10 cups water, 2 cups vegetable broth and 1 Tbsp salt. Dice your potatoes and add them to the pot. Bring to a boil and continue to cook the potatoes 10 minutes after boiling.

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2. Add sliced carrots into the pot and cook another 10 min while prepping your mirpoix/zazharka (step 3).

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3. In a large skillet, add 3 Tbsp olive oil over med/high heat. Add finely diced onion and thinly sliced celery and saute until soft and golden (7 min). Toss this mixture into the pot.

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4. Add shelled shrimp and chopped fish to the pot. Also, toss in your 2 bay leaves, 1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash, 1/8 tsp pepper, 2 Tbsp fresh parsley. Return to a boil and cook another 5 minutes or until fish and shrimp are fully cooked. Salt more to taste if desired and remove from heat. Serve with a sprig of fresh parsley or dill.

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Yum. Yum.
Credits: Big thank you to my sis, Alla who gave me fierce fish soup cravings after I tried a bowl at her house. Also, a great big thank you to Valentina N. who shared her fish and shrimp soup recipe with me and taught me that tilapia and shrimp mingle really well together.

Shrimp and Fish Soup (Ukha)

5 from 31 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
A white bowl of fish and shrimp soup, ukha, with a spoon, and bread bun besides it
I've been working on creating the perfect fish soup and this one hit the spot. The fish is perfectly tender and flaky. Light, but full of flavor; a major comfort soup. You can absolutely use a freshly caught fish just like our ancestors would have except I was too lazy to pick the bones out of a fish. And I was too lazy to go fishing and catch a fish. That being said, my fish came from the freezer aisle of Fred Meyer. Don't judge me.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 -10
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 12 oz tilapia fish fillets, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 lb shrimp
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley or 1 Tbsp dried parsley

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot over high heat, add 10 cups water, 2 cups broth and 1 Tbsp salt. Dice your potatoes and add them to the pot. Bring to a boil and continue to cook the potatoes 10 minutes after boiling.
  • Add sliced carrots into the pot and cook another 10 min while prepping your mirpoix/zazharka (step 3).
  • In a large skillet, add 3 Tbsp olive oil over med/high heat. Add finely diced onion and thinly sliced celery and saute until soft and golden (7 min). Toss this mixture into the pot.
  • Add shelled shrimp and chopped fish to the pot. Also, toss in your 2 bay leaves, 1 Tbsp Dash, 1/8 tsp pepper, 2 Tbsp fresh parsley. Return to a boil and cook another 5 minutes or until fish and shrimp are fully cooked. Salt more to taste if desired and remove from heat. Serve with a sprig of fresh parsley or dill for garnish.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Shrimp and Fish Soup, Ukha
Skill Level: Medium/ Easy
Cost to Make: $12-$14

Final Final Picmonkey Hashtag bannerAnd because a gazillion of you have asked for the nutrition info:nutrition for shrimp and fish soupI call this shot “Chilling in the hot tub”…

fish-and-shrimp-soup-5

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Mira
    September 20, 2023

    I will be making this soup tomorrow can’t wait to try it! can I use mahi instead of tilapia.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 20, 2023

      Hi Mira! Yes, that would be fine. I hope you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Jr
    October 28, 2022

    Thanku very much for this wounderful recipe It was delicious I will definitely make this again God bless

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 28, 2022

      Hi Jr! You’re welcome! I’m so glad you loved it. Be blessed!

      Reply

  • Natalia
    May 10, 2022

    Dear Natasha – I keep using this recipe over and over and wanted to say thank you so much! I love your website, many blessings to you and your family

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 10, 2022

      Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Natalia! Blessings to you also!

      Reply

  • Gladys Garcia
    March 9, 2022

    What can I use if I can’t find Mr Dash seasoning at my grocery store?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 9, 2022

      You can use an alternative seasoning blend of your choice or make your own combination blend with onion powder, parsley, thyme, sage, pepper, salt, garlic powder, etc. Or you could just use salt and pepper.

      Reply

  • Hani
    October 15, 2020

    Hi Natasha!

    We don’t have a mrs.dash in my country. Any pointers on what to substitute with?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 15, 2020

      Hello Hani, you can use the usual seasoning that you have at home like salt pepper etc.. for taste.

      Reply

  • Lilliana
    April 14, 2020

    Hi there…so I don’t have vegetable broth, can i replace it with something else?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 14, 2020

      HI Liliana, a chicken broth or stock would also work or a fish stock if you have one.

      Reply

  • jaclyn e j
    March 29, 2020

    turned out amazing! i used red snapper instead of talipa & added garlic to the mix.
    5 star

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 29, 2020

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Jaclyn. That’s very useful information!

      Reply

  • Natasha fan
    June 13, 2019

    Hi Natasha,

    Can you substitute Chicken Broth or is Vegetable Broth preferred?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2019

      Hi George! I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

      • Jaclyn Johnston
        March 29, 2020

        i used half chicken broth, half seafood broth instead of veg broth and it tasted amazing

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          March 29, 2020

          Nice to know that the end result was great! Thanks for sharing that with us.

          Reply

  • Becky
    November 5, 2018

    Delicious and so easy! I added green beans and spinach from my garden.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 5, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Karen
    September 2, 2018

    Outstanding soup

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 3, 2018

      Thank you for the wonderful review, Karen!

      Reply

  • Darius
    August 3, 2018

    Hello Natasha. My Belarussian friend said traditional uha should be with vodka. Is it true? Best regards

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 3, 2018

      Hi Daris, I honestly couldn’t say. That is interesting, I wonder if anyone else has heard of this?

      Reply

      • Lee Thayer
        August 3, 2018

        Hello Darius and Natasha, I like a good challenge so I did some research and many Russian sites do state the use of vodka, about 1/2 cup. All the sites were in agreement that the vodka does flash off the alcohol, imparting little taste. On another note, I have been to Russia, and I will say Russians and Vodka is like Peanut Butter and Jelly 😉

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 3, 2018

          How interesting! Thank you for sharing that with us Lee!

          Reply

  • Ahmagrammy
    January 13, 2018

    I cook for about 100 unhoused and people in need every Saturday. I was wondering if you could add a serving size button to your site? It helps me calculate the recipe ingredients to that larger amount.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 13, 2018

      The serving size is listed with each recipe. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind to add the feature to adjust it manually!

      Reply

    • Lee Thayer
      January 13, 2018

      I have shared Natasha’s recipe on my site (we have an agreement with this) and my site can do the serving size for. By no means am I trying to take away from Natasha’s recipe or her site.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        January 14, 2018

        Yes this is true! Thanks Lee 🙂

        Reply

  • Anna
    November 29, 2017

    Thanks Natasha for your recipes. Everything I tried was great! This soup is delisious easy to cook and low calories. I will definitely recommend your blog to my friends.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 29, 2017

      Anna, thank you for such a nice review 😬 and you are very welcome!

      Reply

  • Julia
    October 2, 2017

    Haven’t had uha in 15 years, was looking up recipes and found yours. Prego craving! Thank you so much for posting an adapted recipe, I had no idea where to look for okun’ fish. Haha. I’m sure it’s delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 2, 2017

      I hope you LOVE it (and hope it satisfies your cravings!) Congratulations and God bless you in your pregnancy 🙂

      Reply

      • Bella
        February 9, 2023

        I will make the soup tomorrow .Will see! Thank you for recipe.

        Reply

    • Andrii Gritsina
      October 26, 2020

      Okun’ fish is bass here. Smallmouth or largemouth bass are the most common. What we used to catch in Ukraine I would classify as ‘peacock’ bass. Hope this helps

      Reply

  • Tatyana S.
    September 25, 2017

    Natasha this is a wonderful soup, super delicious and light👌🏻 I been making it for a while now but didn’t know that I never left a comment about it.
    I got my mom and sister into making it as well😜
    Simple ingredients and easy to make! Definitely a must try to whoever haven’t yet😋

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 25, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe just as much as I do! Thanks for spreading the love and sharing your excellent review Tatyana!

      Reply

  • Lee Thayer
    August 12, 2017

    I made this today with Shark Catfish, which is a whitefish and not a catfish taste, followed the recipe (had to make some Mrs. Dash Seasoning) and for a Thai flair, added Straw Mushrooms. Perfect! Thank you Natasha, 5th recipe tested, 5th recipe 100% spot on. The Thai family, and there is a lot here, are loving it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 12, 2017

      My pleasure Lee! I’m so glad your loving the recipes! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Natalia
    June 28, 2017

    I am not a fan of tilapia and was wondering if you tried to substitute it for salon or cod?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 29, 2017

      Hi Natalia, I think you could make this work well with a variety of fish. There is definitely room to experiment 🙂

      Reply

    • Lee Thayer
      August 12, 2017

      I would shy away from salmon, stick with a common whitefish in your area. Salmon is good in a sauce type of dish, probably over powering in this dish. Sea Bass, Ocean Perch, Barramundi, Shark Catfish would be good choices.

      Reply

  • Retavia Kimble
    April 7, 2016

    I tried this and I absolutely love it and will be making it time and time again it’s definitely delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 7, 2016

      I’m so happy you love it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂

      Reply

  • Anna
    March 29, 2016

    Great recipe. My family and I loved it! I made a slight change by adding some barley and fresh lemon juice. Delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 29, 2016

      Those changes sound nice! Thank you so much for sharing that with us 🙂

      Reply

  • Kate
    December 18, 2015

    Dear Natasha! Thank you for this wonderful soup! I have only one question – what is the Mr. Dish? I guess it is spice but I’d like to be more sure. Thank you in advance!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 18, 2015

      Kate, Mrs. Dash is all purpose, salt-free seasoning, used in a variety of dishes. I always have it on hand.

      Reply

  • Luda
    December 8, 2015

    What an interesting take on traditional uha! So delicious! And simple
    Enjoying every sip of it right now, after finally putting up our Christmas tree (with lots of “help” from my little ones lol)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 8, 2015

      What a sweet scene. 🙂 I’m so happy you are enjoying the soup and isn’t it the “best” and most unique looking tree when kids help out? lol

      Reply

  • Scarlet Gem
    December 7, 2015

    This soup recipe is simply awesome.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 7, 2015

      Thanks for the great review! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply

  • Tallya
    October 11, 2015

    Thanks for the recipe! We don’t eat shellfish so I added more fish, it was delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 12, 2015

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tracey
    April 21, 2015

    This fish soup was so incredible! I will be making it again and again. I’ll probably add some fresh crab or lobster the next time. Thank you for a wonderful recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 21, 2015

      Yum! Crab or lobster sound phenomenal! 🙂

      Reply

  • Laura
    February 25, 2015

    I’ve been looking for a good fish soup recipe and this was perfect! I substituted turnip for the potatoes, used cod instead of tilapia and added some baby spinach. Perfection! Great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 25, 2015

      Thanks for the great review Laura and great job on improvising :).

      Reply

  • Valentina
    January 20, 2015

    Just made a pot of this goodness. Can’t wait to have a few bowls 😉 I like to let it sit for an hour our so.. you can taste the flavors a lot more. Oh and for those that like their ukha spicy, try adding a *little* cayenne pepper in the end. Yum!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 20, 2015

      I’m so happy you liked it! I love your idea of adding cayenne pepper at the end. Mmm… 🙂

      Reply

  • Luda
    January 14, 2015

    Hi Natasha!

    I made this ukha yesterday, but with salmon because I didn’t have shrimp and tilapia. It turned out great. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2015

      Thank you for the great review Luda, I’m glad you enjoyed it :).

      Reply

  • Inna
    August 4, 2014

    just cooked this soup!! Used Salmon instead! Its great! thanks for another great recipe!! Everything I do from your website turns out GREAT!! BIG THANKS TO YOU NATASHA!! Love that u put so much pictures and is super clear on the directions unlike other cooking blogs! I used to think how can people like cooking!! But once ive come upon your website, surprisingly I love cooking now! wow! even baking! Your recipes are amazing!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 4, 2014

      Awww your comment just made my day. Thank you so much. I feel so inspired right now 🙂

      Reply

  • Jessica
    May 19, 2014

    Fantastic soup! My Russian husband said it “tastes exactly like it’s supposed to”.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 19, 2014

      That’s awesome! Thank you (and your husband) for a fantastic review 🙂

      Reply

  • Inna
    March 29, 2014

    Natasha, we loved this soup! Thanks for the recipe! My husband was very amazed how good it was. Definitely will be adding it to my reaccuring meals list. P.s.next time will try with tilapia. I used rockfish this time.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 29, 2014

      I haven’t had rock fish in a long time! You can use most kinds of fish (even salmon) in this soup. I’m so happy you liked it 🙂

      Reply

  • tonya
    March 10, 2014

    thank you!! my husband loved this soup. making it again per his request 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 10, 2014

      Thank you for the great report and you are welcome :).

      Reply

  • Natasha
    February 3, 2014

    Incredibly delish! Had my best friend over, who hates the traditional ukha; she could not get enough if it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 3, 2014

      That’s fantastic!! Music to my ears 🙂 Thanks Natasha!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    January 24, 2014

    Such a divine soup. We loved it! 😉

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 24, 2014

      Yes!!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂

      Reply

  • Natasha
    January 23, 2014

    I cooked it couple hours ago. Waiting for my hubby to come home and try it. He is the first to try all the recipes i cook. And he is very honest. So far he gave the best ratings to your recipes . I am so glad that i found your family’s food blog. Exceptional job. Zuppa Toscana, Olivye, Chicken and Mushroom Casserole, Crab Salad, Shrimp and Fish Soup (UKHA)… 🙂 Amazing.!!!!! What a start for me to explore your blog 😉

    Chelovecheskoje SPASIBO!!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 23, 2014

      Oh. forgot to mention was in a hurry: instead of shelled i got peeled 🙁 will see very soon how it will turn out.

      Also I would like just to double check: what is the exact amount of black pepper (according to the recipe) are you using Natasha? 1/8 tsp or 1/4 tsp?
      Thank you 🙂

      P.S. The ingredient list says 1/8 tsp, according to Instructions its 1/4 tsp 🙂

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        January 23, 2014

        You can really add it to taste. I think I used 1/8 tsp. If you want it to be spicier, add more 🙂

        Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 23, 2014

      You’re so welcome! 🙂 I’m so glad you’re really enjoying the recipes 🙂

      Reply

  • Natasha
    January 22, 2014

    Thanks for the great ideas, I have been thinking what to make tomorrow and thanks to your awesome recipes and pictures I’ll be making ukha for my husband and lettuce wraps for me 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 23, 2014

      Sounds like a very good plan. 🙂 Ukha for the Mr and lettuce wraps for you 😉 I hope you both love the recipes!

      Reply

  • Marina of Let the Baking Begin!
    January 19, 2014

    Great soup! I love that you add nutritional info at the end. Just a thought, when ‘measuring’ liquid foods, it’s easier to know how much is 1 serving if you say ‘1 cup’ or ‘2 cups’ instead of grams 🙂 What program/website do you use to count up the nutritional value? I might add it to my recipes as well.. I use fitday for counting calories, but their graph is not ‘copy-able’…

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 19, 2014

      I use CalorieCount.com for the nutritional info. I’m not sure if there is way to change from grams to ounces,it automatically puts that part in. I’ll see what I can do 🙂 and thank you for your feedback. Also I use snag it/snip it tool to cut the recipe from the screen, save it and upload it as jpeg.

      Reply

  • Selina
    January 18, 2014

    Hi Natasha, Made the Ukha the other night. Really good. The kids loved the shrimp in it. Like your “cook-along” photos. Another great recipe!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 18, 2014

      Awesome!! That’s the best feeling in the world when kids like what I make 🙂 Thanks Selina!

      Reply

  • Vera
    January 15, 2014

    I never used shrimp before in uxa, but this is great idea and looks yummy. I love all of your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 15, 2014

      Thanks Vera! We finished the last of it yesterday. Good till the last drop 🙂

      Reply

  • Inna
    January 15, 2014

    I make ukha the same way as you do, except I also add salmon to it… Your pictures are beautiful!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 15, 2014
  • Olga
    January 14, 2014

    This looks so delicious, Natasha!
    I love seafood and Ukha is so light and refreshing:). Such a soothing broth. Lovely pictures, as always.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      Thank you Olga :).

      Reply

  • Richard
    January 14, 2014

    Natasha –

    In the by-gone-days we’d add some fennel seeds, some stewed tomatoes, a few more spices and shell fish, lots of garlic and call it bouillabaisse. With a nice hunk of French bread, a bottle of inexpensive red table wine, a little accordian music, soft lights, and ones ‘petite chou-chou’. Ah, those were the days…..

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      Richard, thank you for taking me down the memory lane :).

      Reply

  • Irina
    January 14, 2014

    This yxa is really good with Salmon.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      Good thing I have some salmon in the freezer!! Thanks Irina 🙂

      Reply

  • Joanna
    January 14, 2014

    Hi Natasha! This looks really delicious and comforting! Not only are you a talented cook but funny to boot, lol! Loved the “Chilling in the hot tub” pic 🙂 I can’t wait to try this, thanks for another great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      Thanks Joanna 😉 I’ve always been too sarcastic for my own good. lol.

      Reply

  • Lea @ Lea's Cooking
    January 14, 2014

    It looks delicious 🙂 I add shrimps to my ukha too and different types of fish like ahi tuna and cod. Your version with addition of vegetable broth and celery sounds really good.:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      I love putting celery in soup (sauteed first ofcourse, otherwise I don’t like the texture of fresh celery in soups), but yes it does add a nice layer of flavor 🙂 Have you tried salmon in your ukha?

      Reply

      • Lea @ Lea's Cooking
        January 14, 2014

        Yes, I did 🙂 It taste really good too. I just love the combination of fish and shrimps together. Also try “Seafood Chowder Soup” that I make. You might love it 🙂 http://leascooking.blogspot.com/2012/09/seafood-chowder-soup.html

        Reply

  • Inessa at GrabandgoRecipes.com
    January 14, 2014

    I love uha. Yours look different have to try 😉

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      Now I’m curious, what do you put in yours?

      Reply

      • Inessa at GrabandgoRecipes.com
        January 15, 2014

        I make with salmon. Also on the side I make a lemon garlic sauce to spice it up a little 🙂
        http://www.Grabandgorecipes.com/uha-russian-fish-soup/#more-57

        Reply

  • moms dish
    January 13, 2014

    Natasha amazing photos, last one made me feel like the plate was my, in-front of me. Hmmm but all I see is tea on my table:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 14, 2014

      🙂 Tea is nice too. We always finish our evening off with looseleaf herbal tea. It just has that calming effect.

      Reply

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