I have pintos, black, kidney, and garbanzos. I may have a some great
northerns as well, but I'm not sure without looking. Buying sausage
isn't a problem, I'm just trying to avoid packing up more things than I
need to. Now that I think about it, a vegetarian chili may be a good
idea. I can use some beans, some tomatoes, and rice or pasta. All I
would need is cheese, and we may have that if the family hasn't burned
through the smoked gouda yet.

However, I'll take a look at Hoppin' John recipes as well. I don't want
to commit to it until I know what it is. A brief google seems to show a
southern dish with rice, black-eyed peas, and ham or jowl bacon. I have
some turnip greens to go on the side, and some corn to fry up as well.
I could even make some cornbread or fritters.

As for the ribs, I've made something similar before with honey and
lemon juice. That version didn't seem as sweet, so I blame the
pineapple juice.<g> Also, last time they went on the grill, which
probably helped out as well.

Dean G.