You ask "What is the minimum detail required to apply for a US patent". The answer is that at a minimum you much write a description that, of...

What good is a patent, when apple has several patents on a phone, yet there are several phone's just like theirs?

Yes - you'll need an attorney on this one. If any prior publication or number of publications, singly or combined, discloses the same or a similar...

If you stick with old paintings for which there is no unexpired copyright, you'll be fine. So if you are creating a stylized version of the Mona...

I would like to start a creative business based on christian beliefs,can I use the holy bible verses on my handmade products

So long as you use an old version of the bible, there will be no copyright issues. It's in the public domain.

Can I use two branded sauces to make my own brand of sauce?

So long as the contents are not patented, and of course you do not use or copy the name or logo or packaging, you should be OK.

It sounds like you have already disclosed, used and sold the invention, therefore I doubt you could legitimately patent it in the US.

No it can't. Once abandoned, then if not revived by the legitimate owner, it cannot be adopted by a third party.