OK... this is a challenge for me! I've HATED / DESPISED them since a kid. Yes, my mother overcooked everything, and I think other friends' mothers did too. SO... I'll go out on a limb sometime this week and try them your ways... afterall, olive oil, spices and especially garlic and cheese. Now if I put all of those together, I may actually not even notice the stuff under it all! For me it was texture -- maybe my tastebuds have changed. I'll let you know.