I'm fine with spices, but I have to go lightly with them, because the wife and daughter don't like anything too spicy.
That said, I might be able to add a bit of chili powder.
I had to Google "mirepoix". I normally sauté veggies in that manner, but I had no idea that it had a name. This recipe called for sautéing (sp?) the onions and apples only. Maybe next time I'll add the garlic at this stage as well. Have to be careful with the garlic, as it's so easy to overcook it.
I love chili! Trouble is, the girls won't eat peas/beans.
They drive me nuts sometimes. That's a massive group of meals that I can't make, because it'd be just me eating them, not to mention the missed health benefits.
Thanks for the tips though.