hey perry;
WOW. Thats sayin something Robert. Either you are a good BS'er or a very good cook.
As a rule, for me, when it comes to meat, salt and pepper is about all I prefer as well. And I have eaten beef raw on occasion, when I know where it came from and its history. Its alright but I wouldn't wanna give up my stove for it.
when someone has to add 4 or 5 spices to make a dinner, there is something wrong.
or when someone says [size=20]
BAM[/size][size=10][/size]to make something its just wrong.
as far as cooking goes, complicated doesn't necessarily mean better.
Some restaurants add different things to make even potatoe salad better, DOESN'T HAPPEN.
different tastes do not mean better. i remember going to my grandmothers when i was a kid, loved her home made bread with butter that i helped churn, and her home made elderberry jelly.
i am very lucky, grandmother gave my wife the recipe, and i haven't gone without elderberry jelly for 40 or so years. :D :D