In a message dated 98-06-16 17:48:18 EDT, johnlowe@hotmail.com writes: << But, how do I use them? Soak them first? Use them dry and let them absorb other ingredients in the sauce over time? >> Typicall dried chilies are often roasted ofer a buner or skillet, don't let hem burn or they will become bitter. Then they are soaked in water and the seeds and stems removed if desired, the chiles are then blended or processed into a paste and used in salsas or moles. For specific recepies see The mole pages -the recipies (this site also has links to other chili related sites) http://slip.net/~bobnemo/recipesmole.html Salsa recipies http://www.panix.com/~clay/cookbook/salsa.html hope this helps Bob J. Johnson San Diego, CA