Seduction Via Vanilla Pound Cake

Moving forward...because you can't keep a good woman down...

I am armed and ready. Vanilla beans have been bought, the kitchen's been organized, I've blocked off the whole evening, and I'm ready for action.

Vanilla pound cake action, that is.

For my friend's birthday tomorrow, I am baking a vanilla pound cake from Warren Brown's cookbook "cakelove" (how appropo.) This vanilla bean-flavored pound cake will be layered with freshly whipped cream and sugared strawberries. It will be delightful, delicious, and de-lovely (thank you, Cole Porter.)

It will also be my secret weapon...because I'm ready to rock J. Nich like a hurricane (thank you, The Scorpions.)

Here's the thing: I haven't actually seen the guy since the wedding a month ago. First he was sick, then he was in New York for a few weeks...and while I love having an email buddy, it's time for some action. And I think the one-two punch of a perfect pound cake and a little competition (the calf-biter) is just what the doctor ordered.

So here we go! Seduction via vanilla pound cake. I have conquered bigger and badder men with my roasted chicken, my dumplings, and my cheese souffle...now it's time to see if cakelove's pound cake can do the trick on one J. Nich!