I don't have any secret ingredients but I remember when I started cooking for my hubby back in the 70's if the recipe called for something strange I didn't add it not knowing that may have been the secret ingredient for that recipe. Now I add everything they say to put in it. While looking for a recipe for squash soup, I downloaded a couple of them and then took from each one what I thought would work. My mother and sister were amazed that the soup contained nutmeg and cayenne pepper in it. Just that little pinch added made the soup better. Now I follow the recipe..................most times.