Monday, August 31, 2009

Female Nude Art, African Art Painting and Metal Art Work

Metal African Painting of Female Figure Nude:
Black Female Nude Art: Lady In Orange
Nude Oil Painting on Metal Art by Injete Chesoni

This is one of the very first metal art work pieces that I did. It is a brightly colored African art painting on metal and features a partially nude female in African dress. It was inspired by a beautiful nude art photograph of an African woman. This piece allows me to combine two of my artistic passions creating metal art work and painting female nudes. Like most artists I love painting the nude female figure. I have noticed it is relatively difficult to find fine art nude paintings featuring black or African women. I therefore decided to create some. I hope you will enjoy them. The art piece below pre-dates my metal art work and is an oil pastel art piece of a red haired nude. I love this piece too.

Redhead Nude, Female Fine Art Nude
Oil Pastel on Paper (11.6" x 15.6"): $65
Email minjete@gmail.com to Buy Artwork
Click Here to view other Art for Sale by Injete Chesoni

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Short Love Stories Online: Re-awakening, Lady In Red

Re-Awakening: Lady In Red
A Short Love Story by Injete Chesoni

Her re-awakening began with a splash of red nail polish on her toes. After painting her toes, she went over to her wardrobe. So many beautiful clothes that she had not worn for months. She pushed through the hangers until she found the red dress that she was searching for. She slipped it over her head, it still fit her though not as snugly as it used to. She went over to her dressing table mirror and unpinned her long black hair. Today she was going to let her hair swing wild and free, in line with her new-found freedom. She rummaged through her dressing table drawers searching for her favorite red lipstick. After applying it she slipped it into the evening bag sitting atop the dressing table, then went over to her shoe closet and slipped on her favorite strappy black heels. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and was satisfied with what she saw, she looked sexy and stunning. She wasn’t going to wear any of her expensive jewelry tonight. The jewels were just weighty painful reminders of a life that she was leaving behind.

She grabbed her purse off the dressing table and went down the grand staircase into the foyer. She rummaged through the hall table for her keys and slammed out of the front door locking it behind her. She got into her sky blue Benz and drove off. She had already decided she would go to, “The Palisades” a trendy new club where all the young socialites hung out. It was on the other side of town so it was unlikely any of her usual crowd would be there. When she walked into the club heads turned, she walked over to the bar used to the stares. She still had her model good looks and body so stares were nothing new to her. She swung her lithe body onto a bar stool and crossed her long sexy legs. Smiling at the bartender she ordered her favorite drink, a mojito. Then swung around and slowly surveyed the crowd. She noticed the interested stares of many men but none caught her fancy. She did not see the handsome dark haired man in the corner staring at her.

Mike had noticed her the moment she walked through the door, she was new here. He certainly would have noticed her if she had been here before. She definitely wasn’t one of his regulars. She was beautiful but that wasn’t what held his attention, after all the club was full of beautiful women. It was the air of mystery about her. He walked over to her.

As Marie looked up from her drink she noticed a tall, dark handsome man walking towards her. Hmmm, he looked interesting. He would do for the night she figured. Tall, well-built, dark and handsome just the way she liked them. He looked rich too, but that was no longer of much consequence to her. She smiled seductively and he smiled back. He had a slow, sexy smile. He slid onto the bar stool beside her.
“Hi there, can I offer you a drink?”
He had a nice voice too, a deep rich baritone, smooth and sexy.
She raised her glass and smiled that seductive smile again, “Can I buy you a drink?”
Mike chuckled this woman was definitely different. He liked that.
“No thank-you,” he said, “I never let a lady pay.”
She raised her eyebrows, “Really, well I have learnt never to let a man pay.”
Mike gave her a puzzled look but decided to let the comment drop.
“You are new here, I haven’t seen you before,” he said.
“So you are a regular here,” she said not answering his question.
“Actually, yes, I own the club so I am here every night.” She must be new in town since everyone knew he owned, The Palisades.
Marie realized how out of the loop she was, there was a time when she knew all of the hotshot businessmen and socialites.
“Good for you,” she smiled raising her glass again.
Unlike most women she seemed un-impressed. He liked that too.
“So what brings you here?”
“Oh I just wanted a night out on the town.”
“Well I am glad you chose my club, I hope you enjoy yourself.”
“Oh I am already,” she said smiling up at him.
His phone rang.
“Sorry, excuse me.” He picked it up and walked off to a private area behind the bar. She watched him as he walked away. Hmm, he had a nice backside too. But she wondered if she could really take him home with her. He must be busy if he was the club owner. But he definitely seemed interested in her and she had no doubts in her feminine wiles. Mike finished his conversation and came back over to join her.
“Sorry about that.”
“No problem, you must be a very busy man owning a hot new club like this one.”
“Well yes and no, I have learnt to delegate and hire the right people to run my businesses. When I was younger I tried to do it all by myself and after burning out I learnt how to find a balance.”
“Impressive, not many businessmen learn how to do that.”
“You seem to know a lot about businessmen.”
She smiled mysteriously and didn’t respond to that. He was quickly learning she only answered what she wanted to.
“So are you from around here,” he asked.
“Not quite, I live about an hour away.”
“That’s a long drive for a night out on the town.”
“I enjoy driving and I wanted a change of scene.”
He found something odd about that but let it drop.
“Well I hope it’s worth your while,” he said.
“It already is,” she replied smiling.
She had an enchanting smile and he caught himself staring at her which only made her smile more.
“So would you like to dance?” he asked.
“Sure,” she said and slid off her stool. He took her arm and led her to the dance floor.
As he pulled her into an embrace she felt an electric jolt go through her and stiffened automatically, startled by the strong sexual chemistry between them. She had never had such a strong sexual response to a man before. Or maybe it was because she hadn’t been sexually involved with a man in a long time.
“Is everything alright,” he asked concerned. He had felt it too but he knew how to play cool and calm.
“Yyyes,” she stammered. Uneasy for the first time since she had met him.
“Just relax,” he said stroking her back, which did anything but relax her. She was meant to be a sophisticated lady not someone unaccustomed to a man’s touch so she let her body relax into his and rested her head on his shoulder.
He was not sure he could control the heady effect her soft body was having on him. They would definitely have to end this dance soon if he didn’t want to embarrass himself. As the song came to an end he led her back to the bar. At that moment Tony his DJ decided to have a little fun with his boss and slipped on Lady in Red, by Chris de Burgh.
“I love this song,” she said looking up at him. Oh great, there was no way he was going to escape going back to the dance floor, and he would have to hold her close for this slow romantic song. This time she put her arms around his neck and pressed herself up against him. More brazen than before. As they danced she could tell he was aroused and it excited her. She was determined to drive this cool executive out of control. She moved sensuously against him and closed her eyes.
By this point Mike had given up trying to stay in control.
“Would you like to come home with me,” she whispered in his ear.
Mike was taken aback she had definitely turned the tables on him, but there was no way he could refuse, she aroused him and intrigued him. He smiled and responded by claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. Then raised his head and smiled at her dazed expression.
“Sure let’s go,” he said in that deep rich baritone voice.
She was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure.
She smiled up at him, “Your place or mine,” she said in a husky seductive voice.
“I think we better go to my place, yours is an hour away and I can’t wait that long,” he said with his own seductive smile.
He took her hand and led her off the dance floor and out of the club. When they got to the black Jaguar parked outside the club’s front door he helped her in. He couldn’t drive fast enough, thank goodness his penthouse was ten minutes away. On the drive down she was excited and apprehensive. Would he be able to tell she hadn’t slept with a man in a long time. Of course not, there was no way he could know. Who cared anyway, she wanted him and he wanted her and that’s all that mattered wasn’t it?
He swung his car into the parking lot and helped her out. Once they got into the elevator he pulled her up against him and kissed her passionately running his hands down her back and cupping her to him.
“Do you intend to take me in the elevator,” she said breathlessly.
He smiled roguishly, “That’s a thought.”
At that moment the elevator door opened and he pulled her to his front door. He kicked the door shut behind him and pressed her against the foyer wall kissing her hard. Wow, this woman was hot. Tempting as it was to do it in the foyer he wanted her in his bedroom so that he could ravish her for the rest of the night. He led her to the bedroom and pushed her onto his bed. She started tearing at his shirt and pants. This woman seemed to constantly be one step ahead of him.

Marie was surprised at herself. She had never behaved so wantonly before. Not even with Mark in the early days. She looked over at the man sleeping beside her and realized she hadn’t even asked him his name. What had gotten into her today? This was meant to be her wild re-awakening but had she gone over the top? Having a one-night stand with a man whose name she didn’t even know, and to make matters worse she had left her car at the club so she couldn’t even creep out of his house. Things were not quite going according to plan.
Mike noticed her stirring beside him.
He put his arm around her, “Is everything okay,” he asked.
She tried to smile but didn’t quite succeed. “Please could you take me back to the club, I need to get my car and go home.”
Mike was startled and offended. He thought she had enjoyed it as much as him, she couldn’t possibly want to go home. He masked his thoughts and said coolly, “Sure if that’s what you want.” He slid off the bed and began putting on his clothes.
She couldn’t bring herself to look at him. Mike was wondering what had happened to the sophisticated woman who had seduced him and asked him to go home with her. Women, strange creatures, he thought. She had seemed certain of herself and he thought she was as into him as he was into her but it looked like he was wrong.
They drove back to the club in silence.
“I will follow you home,” he said.
“No,” she said in a panicked voice. Then in a calmer voice she added, “that won’t be necessary.”
“Don’t worry I am not a stalker, I just want to make sure you get home safely,” he said sarcastically. The night really was not turning out well.
“I would rather you don’t, give me your phone number and I will call you to let you know when I get home.”
He would rather have seen her home but didn’t want to get into a fight.
“Alright,” he said, realizing he hadn’t even asked her name, she really had blown him away. He scribbled his personal cell phone number on the back of his business card and handed it to her.
She took the card hastily, she couldn’t wait to get away. “Alright bye,” she said, and hurriedly got into her car speeding off. Mike stared after her. For some reason he felt used. He shook his head and walked over to his car getting in slowly. He drove back home. What a night it had been.

Marie sped all the way home as if the hounds of hell were after her. She couldn’t believe she had done this. Yes, she had left home intending to do it but she still couldn’t believe she had carried it out. She thought she would feel elated but she just felt empty and guilty and she wasn’t sure why. Who felt guilty after carrying out a revenge plot? Only sentimental wimps like her. She sped into the driveway and her mouth dropped open. This was the last thing she needed right now. Parked in the driveway, with the engine still running, was her husband Mark’s Porsche. He had come home three days early! This really was not going according to plan. It was meant to have been full of drama and fanfare. Well there was still time to change the plot.

Mark stared in surprise at his wife as she stepped out of her car. She looked stunning like she used to when they first met. Maybe if she hadn’t let herself go he wouldn’t have cheated on her with Marcia her beautiful, best friend. He wondered where she was coming from all dolled up at this hour of the night. Maybe she had decided to start partying again. That was a good sign wasn’t it? Maybe she was ready to forgive him and return to their former socialite ways.

She walked past him. “We need to talk,” she said abruptly. Mark had grown accustomed to that cold tone and reception and he was getting tired of it.
“Alright,” he said resignedly and followed her into the house.
She went up to their bedroom and opened her jewelry box, and for the first time he noticed that she wasn’t decked in her usual expensive jewels. He thought that odd. She had always loved wearing jewelry. She snapped the jewelry box open and that’s when he noticed she wasn’t wearing her wedding band or engagement ring. She took them out and handed them to Mark. “It’s over,” she said, as he looked at her in surprise.
Before he could answer she turned around and run out of the bedroom and down the stairs. He run after her calling out her name, but she just jumped in her car and sped off. He stood there and watched her go.

Marie, kept driving until she got to Mike’s apartment. She pulled up outside his apartment complex and dialed the number he had given her.
“Can I come in,” she asked.

Love Stories Books: Harlequin Romance Books


Romantic Love Songs by Chris de Burgh: Lady In Red


Links to Free Short Love Stories Online and Love Stories Books
1. Free love stories online
2. Free short love stories
3. Free romance and love stories books

Friday, August 28, 2009

Chicken caesar wraps from Kraft foods.com


What You Need!
3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup croutons
1/2 cup KRAFT Classic Caesar Dressing
4 flour tortillas (8 inch)


PLACE first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing; toss lightly.
SPOON onto tortillas; roll up tightly.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
SubstitutePrepare using KRAFT Ranch Dressing.SubstitutePrepare using KRAFT Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Craft ideas for kids




You will need:

Egg box
Orange paint
Yellow card
Glue
Green drinking straws
Sticky tape

Instructions:
Paint the bottom of an egg box orange. Leave to dry.
Cut out 6 flower shapes from yellow card.
Cut the egg box into the individual compartments, gluing them to the centre of the flower shapes as the trumpet.
Tape a green straw to the back of each daffodil.

Fresh Seasonal Fruit with Mascarpone Cream




Ingredients

1/2 pint raspberries
1/2 pint strawberries, cut in quarters
4 ea apricots, seeded and cut in quarters (or ½ cup cut in halves)
4 ea fresh figs, cut in quarters (or ½ cup cut in halves)
¼ cup port wine

Mascarpone Cream
8oz mascarpone cheese
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
Fresh mint, chopped

Directions
WASH, dry, and cut fruit.
SOAK fruit in port wine for 30 minutes. Drain.
COMBINE mascarpone cheese, sugar and vanilla together in a separate bowl.
PLACE fruit in a serving dish and top with mascarpone cream. Garnish with chopped mint.

Strawberries Romano

Ingredients

1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup fresh whipped cream
1/3 cup brown sugar
Juice of 1 orange
1 Tbsp Triple Sec
2 qt strawberries, washed and quartered
Fresh mint sprig

Directions
COMBINE mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, orange juice and triple sec together in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Fold in fresh whipped cream.
PLACE berries in a dessert dish or glass. Top with cream mixture. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
CHILL until ready to serve.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Homemade Chocolate Brownie Recipe





Chocolate Brownie Recipe 1.
Cream 1/2 cup butter; add 1 cup sugar, mix in 2 eggs beaten slightly, add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 2/3 cup sifted flour, add 2 squares bitter chocolate, melted, and 1/2 cup nutmeats.

Use an 8-inch pan lined with wax paper and bake 25 minutes in an oven preheated to 325°F. Be watchful not to over bake; to have underdone is part of the delicious secret.

Chocolate Brownie Recipe 2.

1/3 cup shortening or butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 heaping teaspoons cocoa
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Melt shortening, add sugar, then egg. Sift flour, salt, baking powder. Add nuts. Mix ingredients well together. Put in greased 8-by-8-inch tin. Bake in 375°F oven for 20 minutes, or until done. Ice while still warm.

I love pudding so I decided to find easy homemade pudding recipes enjoy!

Banana Cream Pudding
Beat the yolks of three eggs and three heaping teaspoons sugar very light; then add one pint of rich, sweet cream; pour into a pudding dish and sprinkle over lightly with bread crumbs. Put in a large pan of boiling water and bake in oven from twenty to thirty minutes. When done, cover with a layer of thinly sliced bananas, and spread over the top a meringue made of the whites of three eggs, beaten stiff, with five level tablespoonfuls of sugar. Put in the oven to brown, and serve cold.

 Banana Pudding Recipe
1 quart milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoonfuls cornstarch, 1 cup sugar, pinch of salt, bananas. Cook together the milk, eggs, cornstarch, salt, and sugar. Color one third with chocolate and one third with fruit coloring, leaving one third plain. Line the bottom of pudding dish with bananas. Pour in the dark part, next the pink, and lastly the plain white part. Set on ice to get cold, and serve with whipped cream.

Chocolate Pudding Recipe
cup flour, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg beaten light, 2 tablespoons sugar, butter size of a walnut, 1/2 cup milk, 1-1/4 squares melted chocolate. Stir all together, add flour. Butter tin and steam 1 hour. Serve with sauce or whipped cream.

Lemon Cake Pudding

1 tablespoon butter, 1 small cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, juice of lemon, 1 egg; cream butter, sugar, and flour; beat yolk and white separately. Add yolk to sugar mixture, add milk and lemon juice; beat and add stiff egg white; place in buttered dish; put dish in second dish containing a little water; bake in slow oven 40 minutes.

Raspberry Cracker Pudding


One large teacupful of cracker crumbs, one quart of milk, one spoonful of flour, a pinch of salt, the yolks of three eggs, one whole egg, and half a cupful of sugar. Flavor with vanilla, adding a little pinch of salt. Mix together. Bake in a moderate oven.

When done, spread over the top, while hot, a pint of well-sugared raspberries. Then beat the whites of the three eggs very stiff, with two tablespoonfuls of sugar, a little lemon extract, or whatever one prefers. Spread this meringue over the berries and bake a light brown. Serve with fruit sauce made of raspberries.

Easy homade delicious cookies/bars recipes

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies


Mix well together a cup each of butter and sugar, seven tablespoonfuls of sweet milk, two cups of flour sifted with a teaspoonful of baking soda, two cups of dry oatmeal, a cup each of seeded raisins and chopped pecans or walnuts or peanuts. This makes a stiff dough and must be kneaded by hand to mix the nuts and raisins well. Drop by the spoonful on buttered tins and press round and thin. Make in rather a quick oven.
 
Crispy Marshmallow Bars


1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup grated chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 pound marshmallows, 5 cups rice cereal. Melt butter and marshmallows over boiling water, stirring often. Add vanilla and beat well. Mix well with cereal and chocolate. Press into a large buttered pan; when cool, cut into sticks or bars.


Bar Cookie Recipe
Beat one egg with one cup brown sugar. Pinch of salt; then add one cup of chopped walnuts, one tablespoon grated chocolate, six tablespoons sifted flour with a little, very little, baking soda. Bake for twenty minutes. When cold, cut in squares.


Caramel Nut Bars


2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup boiling water, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 2 tablespoons English walnut meat finely chopped, halves of walnuts or almonds to garnish.
Caramelize two tablespoons sugar, add butter and water, and boil two minutes. Remove from fire, add remaining sugar, flour mixed with salt, and walnut meat.
Spread as Rolled Wafers. Crease in two-inch squares, and decorate with nutmeats. Bake in a slow oven, and remove from pan at once.

Chocolate Cookies


2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon soda dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water; 1 cup grated chocolate; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup lard. Melt lard, butter, and chocolate. When cool add to sugar and eggs. Flour enough to stiffen. Roll thin. When baked ice with white icing.

Chocolate Fruit Cookies


Raisins and nuts are featured in this chocolate cookie recipe: A deliciously chewy combination!
1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons grated chocolate, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon boiling water, 1 egg, 1/2 cup nutmeats finely chopped, 1/2 cup seeded raisins finely chopped, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder.
Cream the butter and add sugar, gradually. Melt chocolate, add remaining sugar and water, and cook one minute. Combine mixtures, and add remaining ingredients. Chill, shape, and bake same as Chocolate Cookies.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Free LeapFrog Book





Do you have any LeapFrog toys in your house? Earn a free LeapFrog ABC Animal Orchestra board book just for linking those LeapFrog toys up to your Learning Path. You should receive your free book within 6 to 8 weeks.

Expecting a Baby Soon? Sign up at BabytoBee for Freebies







Are you expecting a baby soon? Do you know a Mother-to-be or Father-to-be that would want a lot of FREE stuff for their coming baby? Click Here to sign up for BabyToBee. There is so much to buy for a new baby; expecting parents can always use free samples and gifts.

Kids Eat FREE at IHOP from 4-10 pm Daily


IHOP is giving families a break just in time for back-to-school! Now through September 13, kids 12 and under eat free at participating IHOP restaurants from 4 until 10 pm daily. With IHOP's "Kids Eat Free" promotion, you'll get one free meal from the "Just for Kids" menu for each adult entree purchased. Dine-in only. See the IHOP website for complete details.

I came across this website check it out! http://momitforward.com/





What Is Mom It Forward?


Mom It Forward is the newest trend in women’s groups where making a difference is fun, sociable, accessible, and stylish—the new “in crowd” of women where “mom” is a verb. Not only is it fun, fosters friendships, but it is all for a good cause.
The Mom It Forward mission is “to change the world one mom at a time.” We will achieve that by 1) strengthening and supporting women as individuals, 2) helping them become the best moms and/or influencers they can be, and 3) providing ideas, opportunities to, and recognition for carry(ing) out the Mom It Forward mission in small and large ways, locally as well as internationally.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Coca Cola Cupcake Recipe

Ingredients
Part One• 1 cup coca cola or other cola drink• 1/2 cup butter• 1/2 cup vegetable oil• 1/4 cup powdered cocoa• 22 large marshmallows
Part two• 2 cups all purpose flour• 2 cups sugar• 1 teaspoon baking soda• 1 teaspoon vanilla• 1 cup buttermilk• 2 large eggs, beaten

Coca Cola Cupcake Recipe Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. These cupcakes work best with the silver metallic liners.
Part one
In a small saucepan mix cola, butter, vegetable oil and cocoa. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and add marshmallows. Place lid on saucepan and leave until marshmallows begin to melt. Stir well.
Part two
Mix flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
Combine Part One and Part Two in the mixing bowl. Spoon cupcake batter into cupcake pan liners until they are 1/2 to 2/3 full.
Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Coca Cola Frosting
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup powdered cocoa• 6 tablespoons coca cola or other cola• 1/2 cup butter• 3 and 3/4 cup powdered sugar (one 1 lb box)• 1 cup chopped pecans• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Coca Cola Frosting Directions
In a medium saucepan, mix together cocoa, cola, and butter. Heat over medium heat until melted then bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, pecans and vanilla. Stir until blended well.
Let frosting cool until stiff enough to frost cupcakes. I've been know to eat the leftover frosting with a spoon!

Frosting Tip:
This frosting can be used to fill cupcakes if you work quickly. You can fill a pastry bag with the warm frosting and fill your cupcakes. Extra yummy!

Chocolate Dipped Orange Biscotti

Chocolate Dipped Orange Biscotti

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 egg white 1/2 cup chopped almonds 2 tablespoons orange zest 4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate

DIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat in the egg and egg white, then mix in almonds and orange zest. Knead dough by hand until mixture forms a smooth ball. Roll the dough into a log about 10 inches long; place on the prepared cookie sheet. Press down, or roll with a rolling pin, until log is 6 inches wide. Bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven. After baking, cool on a rack. With a serrated knife, cut into 1 inch slices. Place slices, cut side down, back onto the baking sheet. Return them to the oven for an additional 20 to 25 minutes; turning over half way through the baking. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave oven. Allow chocolate to cool but not harden before dipping one side of the biscotti into it. Place cookies on wire racks, chocolate side up, until cool and dry.

blackberry & apple cupcakes



Ingredients for cupcakes

225 grams unsalted butter (room temperature)
215 grams golden caster sugar
225 grams self raising flour
4 large free range eggs (very lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon Madagascan vanilla extract
1 – 2 tablespoons milk
2 crisp granny smith appleslarge shot of ‘sour apple liqueur’ (Luxardo) or use calvados brandy for an even ‘tipsier’ flavour10-20 grams golden caster sugar (to taste)
filling & topping500 - 600ml fresh double cream300 grams fresh blackberries (reserve 12 blackberries to top cupcakes)splosh of ‘sour apple liqueur’10-20 grams caster sugar (to taste – depending on tartness of berries)
You will need a sturdy 12 bun muffin tin lined with 12 muffin cases & a large piping bag with a 15ml plain round nozzle.
For best results make sure the baking ingredients are at room temperature and try not over beat mixture once eggs & flour are added.
method

1. preheat oven to 170-180, gas mark 4 (fan assist 150-160 depending on oven – mine is very fierce so that’s why it seems low temp, adjust accordingly ).
2. peel, chop & gently cook apples, sugar & ‘sour apple liqueur’ in a small covered pan (until very slightly soft). Strain apple and put to one side to cool. Reserve all the lovely apple liquid, as this will be added to whipped cream when cooled.
3. using the same pan put the fresh blackberries, sugar (to taste) & a splosh of ‘sour apple liqueur & cook until ‘jammy’. Leave to cool.
4. in a separate bowl cream butter with wooden spoon adding sugar & vanilla extract beat until light & fluffy.
5. gently mix in the beaten egg & fold sifted flour with a metal spoon.
6. fold cooled apple pieces into cake mixture & add a tablespoon or so of milk if required to ‘slight dropping consistency’ but not too much or apples won’t ‘hold’.
7. using a metal ice cream scoop, spoon mixture into the 12 muffin cases & fill until three quarters full.
8. cook on the middle shelf for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Test with skewer. Remove tray from oven & leave for a few minutes. Transfer cupcakes onto wire tray to cool completely.
9. cut out a teaspoon sized piece from top centre of cooled cupcake using a serrated knife.
Add a teaspoon of ‘fresh blackberry jam’ into the centre.
10. start to whip the cream (add the reserved ‘apple liquid’ as just as cream begins to thicken). Whisk into soft peaks & just firm enough to pipe. Fill piping bag with cream mixture. Pipe the cupcake with the cream and top with a fresh blackberry.

Chocolate Mousse





Yield: 2 Quarts
10 oz Semi Sweet Chocolate - cut into 1/2" pieces 2 oz Whole Butter - cut into 1/2" pieces 1/4 cup Strong Coffee or Espresso (room temperature) 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream 6 each Eggs - separated 2 Tbl Granulated Sugar Additional Whipped Cream for garnish Fresh Berries for garnish

Step 1 - Melt the Chocolate, Butter, Coffee and Vanilla over a hot double boiler “DO NOT BOIL THE WATER” stirring frequently until smooth and the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool until the Chocolate is just slightly warmer than room temperature.

Step 2 - Whip the Cream to soft peaks and place in the refrigerator.

Step 3 - Whip the Egg Whites in a bowl until they are foamy, add the Sugar and continue to whip until soft peaks form.

Step 4 - When the Chocolate is just above room temperature stir in the Egg Yolks. Gently stir in a third of the Whipped Cream, fold in half of the Egg Whites just until incorporated, fold in the remaining Egg Whites and the remaining Whipped Cream.

Step 5 - Portion the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and wrap with plastic, keep in the refrigerator least 4 hours before serving.

Step 6 - When ready to serve garnish with 1 heaping tablespoon of Whipped Cream, fresh Berries and a sprig of Mint.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

An Illustrated Short Love Story Poem: Love's Game

I confess I am a love story buff. In this blog post I narrate a short love story using love poems, narrative poems, illustrations and abstract art work. I hope you enjoy reading this love story poem. You can view the slideshow presentation of this illustrated love story below.



Love's Game
(A Short Love Story Poem by Injete Chesoni)

It began the way most love affairs begin
with a sweet lover’s voyage.
Making love to you was pure magic
And it formed for me a mirage.

We were totally in love
or at least I thought we were,
Until you left my heart with a gushing scar,
When that seductress cast her spell on you.
In an instant
you were gone from me
And I became nothing but a distant
memory.

You were my life’s blood
But for her you were nothing but a one-night stand.
I wish I was like her a goddess of passion and heat,
and I could leave men crawling at my feet.
I would like to leave you in embers and searing pain,
and break your heart the way you broke mine again and again.

We were so loving together
Two birds of a feather,
Taking flight on the wings of love.
But now it seems that we will never, ever
love each other again.
Because you left me for the arms of another
And I never ever want to see you again.
How can love so easily turn into hate and pain?

Then just as I thought I was over you,
we met on the beach
one warm and sunny summer's day.
One thing led to another
and we were back in love again.
It was kisses and flowers
and your sweet I love you game.
I guess I had never really fallen out of love with you
And my hate for you
turned back into love again.

We were back to been two soul mates together,
dancing the dance of love,
forever and ever
or so I thought,
but I was wrong again.
Something happened and off you went
Into the arms of another,
It seems you can never stop playing love's game.

This time I was once bitten and twice shy
and so I let you go
I vowed I would get over you
although I had no clue how.

So I did what people have done
countless times before,
and tossed myself into the arms of another
to forget my sorrow.
It worked remarkably well,
or so it seemed,
until he got serious
and went down on one knee.
Now here I am the night before my wedding
wondering is this really me?
I thought it would be you and me
But now it’s me and he.
And the seed of you and I's love
is growing inside of me.

Prologue: Swept Away
One gaze, and her mind was in a haze.
Those eyes, they took her by surprise.
When hers met his.
She had no clue, if only she knew,
it was the beginning of the end.
She never would have let him inside
her heart or head.

Chapter I: The Beginning of a Torrid Love Affair
It began the way most love affairs begin with a sweet lovers voyage.

The voyage started off calm and peaceful
And gently we drifted along
As we sailed further out
A storm started brewing
And rapidly we lost all control
~~~~~~~
Swept by the waves of passion
We were helpless in the storm
Two self-less bodies together
Making a new form
~~~~~~~
When the storm was over
We gently drifted apart
And then we came back together
Joined at the heart

Chapter II: Temptation and Infidelity
Making love to you was pure magic, and it formed for me a mirage. We were totally in love, or at least I thought we were, until you left my heart with a gushing scar. When that seductress cast her spell on you, you were gone from me in an instant. And I became nothing but a distant memory.

Her hair enticed you
Her hips seduced you.
Her backside confused you.
Her sway drew you.
~~~~~~~~~
When you walked with her
you walked in fields of fire.
When you lay with her
the flames licked your body.
When you joined with her
you were left a pile of ash.
~~~~~~~~~

Chapter III: The Seductress Left You With A Broken Heart

You were my life’s blood, But for her you were nothing but a one-night stand. She was just a promiscuous girl, out to have fun and you fell under her spell.

Dear Lord,
Protect the hearts and souls of all men
in her snare.
for she will never ever declare
her undying love for any one of them.
She is just a promiscuous girl
who loves to have fun.
An undercover lover
of all of the brothers
who blunder
and fall under
her spell.

I Wish I Was Like Her A Breaker of the Hearts of Men
I wish I was like her a goddess of passion and heat, and I could leave men crawling at my feet. I would like to leave you in embers and searing pain and break your heart the way you broke mine again and again.

Carlista the Goddess
of passion and heat
Has a searing gaze
and dancing feet.
~~~~~~~~~
With the beat of the drums
Her hips start to sway
Carlista is her name and
She has this way
Of drawing men to her
Like moths to a flame
She’s hot like fire and
Carlista is her name
~~~~~~~~~
She dances to the beat
and generates heat
With every single step
Of her feet
She has this way
Did I say sway
That renders men powerless
Like a hunter’s prey
~~~~~~~~~
Carlista burns men up with fire
and consumes them with desire
With her red hot lips
and seductive hips
She leaves men in a quagmire
~~~~~~~~~

Chapter IV: Will I Ever Love Again?
We were so loving together, Two birds of a feather, Taking flight on the wings of love, but now it seems we will never, love each other again. Because you left me for the arms of another. And I never want to see you again. Can love so easily turn into hate and pain?

The things we do
to each other in the name of self-preservation
That lead to gulfs of separation
which cannot be sealed
Even by the glue of our love for each other.

`````````
We claim we are in love
But the things we do in the name of love
Make me wonder
Are we more in love with ourselves
Than we are with each other.


Chapter V: Love Rekindled on A Warm, Sunny Summer's Day
Seasons came and went, Then just as I thought I was over you, we met on the beach one warm and sunny summer's day. One thing led to another and we were back in love again.

I am remembering
Sunsets and blue skies
And your eyes
Gazing into mine

I am remembering
Gentle warm breezes
And sweet kisses
As your lips met mine

I am remembering
The sound of ocean waves
As you whispered sweet nothings
Into my ears

I am remembering
Pitch black nights and starry skies
And your soft sighs
As your thighs met mine

I am remembering
(sigh)
Love As it was
Sweet
Love on the beach

Chapter VI: Love's Game
It was back to kisses and flowers and your sweet I love you game. I guess I had never really fallen out of love with you, And my hate for you turned back into love again. We were back to been two soul mates together, Birds of a feather dancing the dance of love, forever and ever.

Chapter VII: But You Can't Stop Playing Love's Game
Or so I thought, but I was wrong again. Something happened and off you went, Into the arms of another, it seems you can never stop playing love's game. This time I was once bitten and twice shy, and so I let you go. I vowed I would get over you, although I had no clue how.

Chapter VIII: Love on the Rebound

So I did what people have done countless times before, and tossed myself into the arms of another to forget my sorrow. It worked remarkably well, or so it seemed, until he got serious and went down on one knee. And now here I am the night before my wedding, wondering is this really me?











Chapter IX: The Final Chapter

I thought it would be you and me, But now it’s me
and he. And the seed of you and I's love is growing inside of me.


I sit here knowing, that I am a step away
from changing my life forever.
I ask myself am I ready,
to leave all that I have known behind,
and forge into the future.
I ask am I ready,
to throw all caution to the wind,
and entwine my life so closely with that of another.
I begin to hesitate
and on the eve of change,
I want to hold time still for a moment.
I cannot go back, but I am so afraid to go forward.
Yet, I know that time will not wait for me.
And on the eve of change I realize
I must move forward with time,
or time will leave me behind.

The End.

Poems Used To Narrate Love's Game, Short Love Story Poem
:

  1. Love's Game: A Short Love Story Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  2. Swept Away: A Short Love Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  3. Lovers Voyage: A Short Love Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  4. Devil In A Red Dress: Poetry Art and Seduction Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  5. Promiscuous Girl: A Short Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  6. Carlista the Goddess of Passion and Heat: A Story Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  7. Separation: A Sad Love Poem by Injete Chesoni.
  8. Love on the Beach: Romantic Love Poems and Beach Poems by Injete Chesoni.
  9. On the Eve of Change: A Marriage and Life Change Poem by Injete Chesoni.

Illustrations Used In Love's Game, Short Love Story Poem
:
  1. Fused Flames of Love: Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni.
  2. Devil In A Red Dress: Female Figure Art by Injete Chesoni.
  3. Carlista: Female Nude Art and Figure Art by Injete Chesoni.
  4. Separation: Figure Art by Injete Chesoni.
  5. Sea of Ecstasy: Nude Art and Romantic Art by Injete Chesoni.
  6. Dancing Flames of Love: Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni.
  7. Scribbles: Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni.
  8. Bride Illustration: Figure Art by Injete Chesoni.

A Story Poem: Carlista the Goddess of Passion and Heat

Female Nude Art Painting and Figure Art by Injete Chesoni: Carlista

Carlista the Goddess of Passion and Heat
(A Story Poem by Injete Chesoni)

Carlista the Goddess
of passion and heat
Has a searing gaze
and dancing feet.
~~~~~~~~~
With the beat of the drums
Her hips start to sway
Carlista is her name and
She has this way
Of drawing men to her
Like moths to a flame
She’s hot like fire and
Carlista is her name
~~~~~~~~~
She dances to the beat
and generates heat
With every single step
Of her feet
She has this way
Did I say sway
That renders men powerless
Like a hunter’s prey
~~~~~~~~~
Carlista burns men up with fire
and consumes them with desire
With her red hot lips
and seductive hips
She leaves men in a quagmire
~~~~~~~~~

Short Love Poem: Swept Away

The Kiss, c.1907 (detail)

The Kiss, c.1907 (detail)
Art Print
Klimt, Gustav
Buy at AllPosters.com

Swept Away
(A Short Love Poem by Injete Chesoni)

One gaze, and her mind was in a haze.
Those eyes, they took her by surprise.
When hers met his.
She had no clue, if only she knew,
it was the beginning of the end.
She never would have let him inside
her heart or head.


Romantic Love Poems: Love On The Beach

Sea of Ecstasy: Romantic Art and Nude Art by Injete Chesoni
Oil Pastel Figure Art

Love on the Beach Poem
(I am Remembering)

A Romantic Love Poem by Injete Chesoni

I am remembering
Sunsets and blue skies
And your eyes
Gazing into mine
~~~~~~~
I am remembering
Gentle warm breezes
And sweet kisses
As your lips met mine
~~~~~~~
I am remembering
The sound of ocean waves
As you whispered sweet nothings
Into my ears
~~~~~~~
I am remembering
Pitch black nights and starry skies
And your soft sighs
As your thighs met mine
~~~~~~~
I am remembering
(sigh)
Love As it was
Sweet
Love on the beach

Click on these links to find out how to plan a romantic beach picnic and create your own memorable, "love on the beach" moment.

From Romantic Love Poems, Beach Poems and Love Poems by Injete Chesoni.

Short Poem: Promiscuous Girl

Varga Girl, October 1940

Varga Girl, October 1940
Giclee Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Promiscuous Girl
(A Funny Love Poem by Injete Chesoni)

Dear Lord,
Protect the hearts and souls of all men
in her snare.
for she will never ever declare
her undying love for any one of them.
She is just a promiscuous girl
who loves to have fun.
An undercover lover
of all of the brothers
who blunder
and fall under
her spell.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Portrait Art and Abstract Metal Art: Sold Samples

These are samples of my metal art work which I recently sold. Both the pieces are oil paintings on embossed metal. The Old Man portrait is drawn from a picture that I liked. I enjoy painting portraits of old people they have such interesting faces. The Two Mothers, abstract metal wall art piece is drawn from my imagination. I was doing some sketches and liked the lines on this one. I also wanted to play around with color and different shapes on metal. It was a fun piece to do.

Old Man Portrait: Metal Artwork by Injete Chesoni (Sold)