>does anyone know of any traditional spicy dishes that are prepared for the >incoming of a new >year? Dad and I always make something with black eyed peas. We use a nice, big smoked ham hock, pork fatback and some good, hot peppers. Whatever the grocery store has in stock or a pickled hab if the fresh ones are too tired looking. We add onions, lots of garlic, sometimes tomatoes, and whatever else we have on hand. Today it's fresh dill. Maybe Juniper Berries. I also have a jar of Jalapeno juice, add a few drops of that. One can add raw apple or raw potato cubes to soak up the salt. Discard these afterwards, don't eat them. They can be pretty gross. Happy New year Karen E. Stober kstober@ems.att.com >