>> I avoid very spicy foods, <<

I forgot to list that on mine. I enjoy ginger heat, but have a low tolerance for anything else.

>> "Eat the rainbow." <<

Oh yeah, that's a favorite.

>> Most dishes I make are standard north american fair, because my cooking skills aren't very strong yet. <<

Maybe look for cookbooks that focus on skills and techniques? Or you could choose a favorite food and get a specialty cookbook for it to learn its variations. We baked our way through a substantial portion of The Search for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie.