Love in the Library

Today may be the best day of my life.

For years, the man of my dreams has been named Rodrigo. I don't know much else about him except he's tall, dark, handsome, and brooding, very romantic, and yes, his name is Rodrigo. Because I find that little else matters in a significant other besides what name you're saying after "I love you," and I'd rather say Rodrigo than Horace.

There is a man who I've seen often in the library over the last few months. Today I helped him at the desk with a couple of things, then sent him a followup e-mail, knowing only that his first initial was R. Imagine my surprise when I received a very kind reply from him. The highlights were his dating the e-mail thus: 15 / VII / 2009, writing "You have been most kind and helpful," and signing it, "My best, Rodrigo."

If today wasn't the best day, then perhaps yesterday was, for that was when I helped the man with the Scottish accent. Small talk is more fun with someone who has a charming accent. A day before that I helped another patron who later sent me an e-mail and said, "You are a rockstar." I doubt I could soon forget that compliment.

I have wanted to make this Persian Love Cake for awhile. Besides being beautiful, it sounds like it would taste wonderful.

Epicurious' description says: This chiffon cake filled with rose-scented whipped cream is inspired by the aromatics found in Persian, Turkish, and Indian confections. Cardamom seeds have more flavor than the ground powder and are like little explosions of spice in the cake.

The cake uses cardamom, saffron, rose water, and pistachios and is decorated with candied rose petals. I can't think of a more romantic dessert.