Master Recipes by Stephen Schmidt, and then How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman were my guides for two decades. With them I learned how to cook instead of how to follow recipes, and how to stay away from package mixes, jars and cans. Nachos!!! (100% fresh) Curries. My mom used to serve hockey pucks for dinner. She's gotten better but her best friend is still Swanson's Microwavable. But when I think of chili, I think of hers (with less sugar and a lot more spice). And my ex-wife made outstanding chicken black bean enchiladas. Other than that, I really prefer Mediterranean food which is way beyond our traditions.