Add a Spicy Twist to Easter Meals

Easter unofficially marks the beginning of the spring season. Young girls are adorned with bonnets and delicate white patent-leather shoes, while boys look groomed with combed hair and new spring suits. Brave tulips push their way through the soil as birds once again return to their roosts.

A time for family and fresh starts, Easter celebrations involve looking ahead to warm weather and gathering around the table to share good experiences. Customary Easter traditions include a large feast to celebrate the end of the Lenten season. Glazed ham is a popular menu item and often is a favorite.

For a rebirth of flavor, try a new twist on your traditional ham. Jalapeno peppers give just the right amount of zest to the following dish, courtesy of "B. Smith: Rituals & Celebrations" (Random House), by Barbara Smith.

JALAPENO HONEY-GLAZED HAM

Serves 8

1 8 to 10 pound boneless smoked ham, cooked

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup bourbon

1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno pepper, or to taste

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon ground cloves

8 to 15 whole cloves

Heat the ham according to the package directions. Remove the ham from the oven 30 minutes before it is done. Score the outside of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern 1/4 inch deep and about 1 inch apart. Combine the honey, brown sugar, bourbon, jalapeno pepper, dry mustard and ground cloves. Mix well and brush over the outside of the ham. Stick a whole clove in the center of each diamond. Continue baking the ham for 30 minutes, basting frequently. Let the ham stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.