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        • At Findlay Market: Walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts (Spanish and Chinese) — you name the nut and Dean Zaidan has it at Mediterranean Imports. Mr. Zaidan freshly roasts every nut but the pistachios, and he sells them in bulk and in assorted containers and gift baskets with fruit. 108 W. Elder St. Over-the-Rhine; 241-8222.

        • At Melinda's: Here's something to sprinkle on your New Year's collard greens and football bowl popcorn. Melinda's, the Louisiana company that claims to have introduced fiery habanero sauce to Americans, now sells its sauce in dry, shakeable form. Melinda's Dry Hot Sauce packs the true fruity, spicy flavor of habanero chiles (but not unbearable heat) along with the tang of vinegar, lick of garlic and onion — and virtually no salt. Available for $4.89 per 1.12 ounces at stores or by mail-order: www.melindas.com or (800) 886-6354.

Market Scan

        Native to Asia, black-eyed peas landed in America with African slaves. The tiny legumes with black circular “eyes,” are still popular in the South, where they are served with rice as a traditional New Year's good luck dish called Hoppin' John. Rinse dried black-eyed peas and drain — soaking isn't necessary. Bring peas to boil in water to cover with diced onion, garlic, celery and smoked bacon or ham hock. Simmer about 45 minutes or just until tender.

Sip It

        Perrier Jouet 1995 “Fleur Brut” ($125) and Bollinger 1992 “Grande Annee” ($85): Celebrate the first ordinary (non-Millennium) New Year's Eve since 1998 with extraordinary champagne. Each is exquisitely refined, with the Fleur more intensely flavored and the Grande Annee longer on the finish.

Web Grazing

        If you've broken the new coffee-maker, food processor or other kitchen gadget, shop for replacement parts at www.culinaryparts.com.

Hot Date

        Williams-Sonoma Grande Cuisine at Kenwood Towne Centre kicks off its winter cooking classes with a session on upscale comfort food 7 p.m. Jan. 14, led by Daveed's chef-owner David Cook. $50. 793-3445.

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