we use all kinds here. I think pintos are everyones favorite but they are also partial to black, navy, great northern and red beans. I like limas as well but I'm the only one that does. I normally season them with a ham hock or full on bacon. This time I put in some turkey bacon and it gave it a nice flavor without the grease ring lol. As far as spices I just throw things like salt, pepper, cumin, coriander the just top with cilantro when it's done. the only real calories are in the beans and cornbread themselves.