I cannot imagine cooking without the basic seasonings. I use sea salt and buy really good peppercorns to grind. Not in excess but to enhance whatever food I am preparing. I also, love really good chili peppers, not the kind that blister your taste buds, but those that have good flavor and hang on just a bit. I'm not into self destruction, but enjoy flavors on the edge. Most of my friends have tender palates and I try to accommodate them when I cook for the crowd. Of course I'm from Texas and this type of cooking was normal for me.