2/3 of the way there with the tart, boys in bed

Not only did Oliver completely denude my Cyclamen today -red blooms were everywhere like petal confetti- he also wrote on our hardwood floor in non-washable marker. I didn't even know we owned non-washable markers for the love. This child is mischievous when he's well-rested but today skipped his nap so was really naughty by day's end. As such, he and Jack have already been in bed for 10 minutes. Yes, it is 5:49p here. Meanwhile, the tart is coming along beautifully. Check this out. I am letting this part set and will then pour a chocolate-espresso topping over, let chill again and loooovvveeee.

Totally cashed, pizza night and chocolate-caramel tart in near future

It is more than definitely time for the kids to go back the eff to school. Today has been pretty much no fun at all, so let's give an amen for the resumption of school tomorrow. On a more positive note, a pizza crust is getting good and fluffy on the counter, a ball of mozzarella di bufala is waiting like a golden egg in the fridge, and I'm about to embark on a chocolate-caramel tart that is bliss in the mouth. This photo is courtesy of epicurious, from whence this recipe hails, so I can take no credit. But, I've made this before and will take a shot when I finish it up a bit later. It's divine.

Variation on the tradition

Usually, on New Year's Day, I make a round of cornbread, stewed black-eyed peas by their lonesome and collard greens. Today, however, I changed things up a bit while still sticking to tradition. The cornbread became honey and jalapeño muffins, the peas became my own version of a basic hoppin' John (rice, peas, olive oil, lemon, lots of freshly ground black pepper), and the collards a sauté of baby kales with lemon, olive oil and salt. The boys loved the hoppin' John, and I am grooving on the muffins. I love the texture and rustic look using stone-ground cornmeal provides. That recipe is posted now, as is the one for Emeril's barbecue shrimp.