Because I can only stand for short periods, I have developed what we call 'cheater potato soup'. I peel and chop 5-6 potatoes into bite size pieces, put water to just cover. Cook until soft. Add several shakes of Mrs Dash original, 1/3 cube of butter, and ham, sausage, or bacon, (about 1 & 1/2 cups.) I use non-fat milk, after boiling taters, and use instant potatoes as thickener. Try some of the flavored instant potatoes for variety. I try to avoid using flour in it, if I can. I have even added Cream of celery soup as the thickener for variety. DH loves this one.