@Real Music,
I usually start with butter and slowly add something that id been kicking around that day. Butter sauteed porcini mushrooms , then add Mirin and a bit of beef broth and cook down. I somtimes try a fruit flavoring in an otherwise savory sauce. SOmetimes it works, sometims not so muc. Im a learner like you, Im hear to listen to some of the cooks . Alsa, many have gone (like ehbeth), or the rib dude from Texas. Roger, I wouldnt listen to him though. Hes been known to mix meat and milk.