Basically, I look at what goyim eat, and see how we can make it kosher. I am not Chassidishe, but if the rebbeim say that we can take a goyishe tune and elevate it to kedusha, surely we can do the same with goyishe foods, and indeed we have. The bagel, herring, knishes, pastrami, etc. are all foods created by Central and Eastern European goyim.
Thank you very much for your kind words.
I find that things like the meat substitutes on the market, Parve Parmesan, Mimic Creme, etc. really help recreate kosher versions of treif dishes. I would say that all you need to be a good cook is to be willing to go beyond your comfort level. Using new spices, herbs, or kosher products on the market is an exciting thing.