Crossword Genius

Essential ingredient of spicy life-stories? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

variety

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'essential ingredient' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for variety that I've seen before include "class" , "Diversity in old music hall?" , "arrangement" , "kind of show" , "Kind (of entertainment?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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