My Grandma always said the first thing you eat in the New Year should be pickled herring. It will bring you luck! Soo try buying a jar of the stuff - maybe spiced cut? - and throwing a few dried cayennes into the jar for a few days before eating. (Keep the jar in the fridge after opening!) I would suggest cutting the fish chunks in half and deboning before serving unless your guests are true herring aficionados (spelling? People who eat a lot a pickled herring tend not to use words like that). Serve with a decent rye bread and beer. Peace, love and peppers Lorraine On Wed, 31 Dec 1997, Michelle Munistari wrote: > Happy New Year, fellow CH's!!! i have a quick question and any input > would be greatly appreciated, as usual. does anyone know of any > traditional spicy dishes that are prepared for the incoming of a new > year? there is always the boring lentil soup that i can throw a chopped > up habanero in but, i'd like to go a different route this year. >