Artemisia Thorne

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Chocolate Cheesecake Cake It’s a layer of chocolate cake, followed by a layer of chocolate cheesecake, and then another layer of chocolate cake. I know the recipe only says to garnish with chocolate chips around the side, but I also added grated white chocolate to the top and Ferrero Rochers to the edges, and it was phenomenal, I highly recommend. Ingredients For Chocolate Cheesecake: o 16 oz. cream cheese-softened at room temperature o ½ cup sugar o 3 eggs-slightly beaten with a fork o 1 tsp. vanilla o ¼ cup sour cream- room temperature o 5 oz. milk chocolate-melted For Chocolate Cake: o 1 ½ cup sugar o 1 cup+ 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour o ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder o 1 tsp. baking powder o 1 tsp. baking soda o ½ tsp. salt o 2 eggs o 2/3 cup milk o 1/3 cup vegetable oil o 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract o 2/3 cup boiling water Chocolate Frosting: o ½ cup unsalted butter-melted o 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder o 3 cups powdered sugar o 1/3 cup milk (or more if needed) o 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract o About 2 cups chocolate chips for garnish Instructions To make the cheesecake: I. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Spray 8.5 inch springform pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Then wrap the springform pan in 2 layers of aluminum foil to make sure no water leaks in when you place it in water bath later. II. First, mix softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract just to combine. Then, add slightly beaten eggs and mix on low speed just to combine, do not overmix it. Fold in sour cream. Finally, fold in melted chocolate. Pour in prepared springform pan and smooth the top. III. Place springform pan in larger roasting pan and filled with hot water halfway through. Bake 40-50 minutes until the edges has set and the center is just barely jiggly, but firm to touch. IV. Lift springform pan from water bath and place it on the counter to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. To make the Chocolate Cake: I. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease two 8.5 inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, grease the paper an flour the pan. II. In a bowl stir together dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt. Add eggs, milk, vanilla and oil and mix on medium speed for two minutes. Pour in boiling water and mix just to combine. III. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake 20-25 minutes, until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Cool the cake in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert on rack to cool completely. Chocolate Frosting: I. When the cakes are cooled, and the cheesecake has firmed, make the frosting. II. Stir together melted butter and cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar, milk and vanilla and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick add additional tablespoon of milk at the time, and if it’s to thin add powdered sugar to reach spreading consistency. To assemble the cake: I. First place one cake layer onto serving plate and spread thin layer of frosting. II. Remove the cheesecake from the fridge, remove the foil from springform pan, then remove the ring from springform pan. Run a thin metal spatula under the cheesecake to remove it from the bottom and transfer the cheesecake onto a serving plate (or simply invert the cheesecake onto cake layer and lift the bottom of the pan and peel off baking paper). III. Top cheesecake with thin layer of frosting, too. IV. Place second chocolate cake layer. Spread remaining frosting on top and sides of the cake to cover completely. V. Finally, garnish the sides with chocolate chips. Store the cake in the fridge.

https://i.imgur.com/idFqvh0.png My surprise would be an itty bitty solid gold feather

My Mardi Gras float would be Enchanted Garden themed. The float would be decorated to resemble a magical garden with faux grass, an abundance of colourful flowers, and vines around the sides. In the centre of the float would be a tree adorned with sparkling crystals and draped with silk ribbons, and the branches would extend outwards to create a canopy. Performers would be dressed as woodland creatures and fae, their costumes covered in sequins and LED lights to make them shimmer.

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Which creature would you like to work with? I would like to work with the Antipodean Opaleye. Why are you keen to work with this particular creature? I have always loved dragons, and something about the elegant fae-like beauty of the Opaleye calls to me. The fact that it is native to New Zealand is also a factor as I have spent time in the beautiful country and would love to work with some of its more magical creatures. Additionally, the Opaleye is known for being loyal and the least dangerous of dragon breeds, so it feels like the safest introduction to caring for dragons. What skills or aptitudes do you have that you think could prove useful in the role? I have experience with New Zealand and its flora and fauna, so I have an understanding of the Opaleye’s natural habitat. I have also spent plenty of time around sheep and am not put off by leading them to the slaughter, so would be comfortable around the Opaleye’s preferred prey. Additionally, I have spent plenty of time around large animals, and am confident in my abilities to calm them and respect them as a fellow living being.

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Dear esteemed readers, let me regale you with an awe-inspiring tale that has yet to be fully appreciated in the wizarding world. Gather 'round as I, the incomparable Gilderoy Lockhart, reveal a secret chapter in my illustrious career—one that unfolded on that fateful day, the 2nd of November 1945. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the air crackled with the energy of impending greatness. Albus Dumbledore, the renowned wizard, faced off against the nefarious Gellert Grindelwald in a duel that would echo through the ages. And who should happen to be in the vicinity, ready to leap into action and safeguard the very fabric of magical existence? None other than yours truly, Gilderoy Lockhart! Picture this: a cascade of dazzling spells illuminated the darkened sky as Dumbledore and Grindelwald clashed in an epic showdown. The very earth quivered beneath the weight of their magical prowess. Sensing the impending threat to the wizarding world, I, Gilderoy Lockhart, with my unparalleled dueling skills and unwavering bravery, stepped forward to join the fray. With a swift flick of my wand, I expertly deflected Grindelwald's malevolent curses, displaying a mastery of magical combat hitherto unseen. The onlookers, though too awestruck to applaud, undoubtedly marveled at my exceptional courage in the face of such adversity. Dumbledore, acknowledging my invaluable assistance, gave me a subtle nod of gratitude. As the final moments of the duel unfolded, it was my timely intervention that tipped the scales in Dumbledore's favor. Grindelwald, realizing he was no match for the combined might of Dumbledore and the illustrious Gilderoy Lockhart, conceded defeat and was promptly apprehended. And thus, dear readers, in this unsung chapter of history, I, Gilderoy Lockhart, emerged as the unsung hero of the legendary duel of 1945, forever etching my name in the annals of wizarding glory.

Greetings, dear readers! It is I, Gilderoy Lockhart, the incomparable wizard whose magical prowess knows no bounds! Allow me to regale you with yet another spine-tingling tale of my daring escapades against the sinister forces that lurk in the shadows. In the winter of 1992, I found myself amidst the treacherous Forbidden Forest, a place where even the bravest dare not tread. Armed with nothing but my unmatched charisma and a dazzling smile, I confronted a nest of Acromantula—vicious giant spiders known for their insatiable appetite for human flesh. As the moon cast an eerie glow upon the tangled branches, I, Gilderoy Lockhart, the epitome of magical elegance, stood tall and resolute. The gigantic spiders, each the size of carriages, hissed and advanced with malevolent intent. But fear not, for Gilderoy Lockhart was on the scene! With a mere flick of my wand and a theatrical swish, I conjured a dazzling array of multi-coloured lights that danced in the air, momentarily bewitching the eight-legged fiends. Sensing their bewilderment, I leapt into action, twirling and pirouetting through the chaos, my robe billowing dramatically. In a display of sheer wizarding mastery, I directed the spiders to perform a synchronized dance, their enormous hairy legs moving in perfect harmony to the enchanting rhythm of my magical melody. It was a spectacle that left even the most stoic observers breathless. But the true climax of this harrowing encounter came when the gigantic Acromantula queen, with venom dripping from her fangs, lunged at me with ferocious speed. Undeterred, I sidestepped her attack with a grace that would make a Veela jealous, and with a wink, I cast a spell that transformed her into a harmless garden gnome! Victorious and unscathed, I emerged from the Forbidden Forest to the adoration of the wizarding world. The headlines sang my praises, and the photographs of my daring encounter adorned the covers of countless magazines. And so, dear readers, let this be a testament to the unparalleled courage and magical prowess of the one and only Gilderoy Lockhart!