My Work is Done

 Considering it’s Monday – in February mind you – and I am still coming off last night’s 30 minute post Downton Abbey ugly cry, yes, you could say I was having a rough morning. Somewhere in-between clearing my inbox and watching videos of Pomeranians dancing to Beyoncé, I opened an email from a long-time reader, Julie, that prompted a rainbow to fly out my butt.

With Julie’s permission, I am sharing it here with you.   

"Dear Aunt Peaches

I am big on writing thank you letters and I owe you a thank you. Probably the biggest thank you of my life. Are you ready?

In August 2010 you published a recipe for a chocolate zucchini cake with peanut butter cups [The Liza Minelli of Cake] and it looked so amazing I let out a small scream when I saw it on my computer screen at work (I work in a library, so everyone noticed.) My brother Mathew loves Liza Minelli so I even commented that I was going to make it for him (see "anonymous" Sep 1. I never comment on blogs so it's strange that I did, but now I wish I had at least put my name. You'll know why in a minute.)

On September 14, 2010 I made the cake and brought it to a restaurant where we had dinner to celebrate Mathew’s birthday with his friends and coworkers, including his super hunky coworker Jake. I had a passing crush on Jake for months but he never paid attention to me, even though he will tell you different now. (We know the truth.) (Don’t tell him I said so.) Long story short, everyone loved the cake. Jake liked the cake so much that he started asking me how to make it, we started talking, one thing led to another, we got together. Can you tell where this is going?

Two and half years later I came home last Thursday to find my valentines gift – a beautiful homemade dinner topped with, of course, that peanut butter cup cake. His wasn’t as pretty as mine (Don’t tell him I said so.) but it tasted amazing. Then what did I find at the bottom of my slice? A ring!!!!!!! We are engaged!

Later that night, when I complimented him on his delivery he said he had been planning it that way since day one because, and I quote, “That cake is where it all started.”

I am so happy right now. I did not see this coming at all. We are already planning to serve that cake at our wedding and we will say a toast to you. Thank you for getting the ball started. I owe you one!

Julie"

That’s right y’all: I made a love cake. This recipe will no longer be called The Liza Minelli of Cake, but The Man Catcher Cake.

Congratulations Julie and Jake!

May you enjoy a lifetime of blessings and peanut butter cups!