Buttering up Cook to receive coffee (8)

I believe the answer is:

flattery

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'buttering up cook to receive coffee' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'cook to receive coffee' is the wordplay.
'cook' becomes 'fry' (frying is a type of cooking).
'to receive' is an insertion indicator.
'coffee' becomes 'latte' (type of coffee drink).
'fry' enclosing 'latte' is 'FLATTERY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flattery that I've seen before include "Compliments" , "Honeyed words" , "Obsequious praise" , "Felt tray (anag.)" , "Mendacious praise" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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