By now, you know that I’m the self-proclaimed king of simple cooking and one-pot meals.
You also know that I remember my mother as being a fantastic cook. How did she feed 7 adults day in and day out? Often with casseroles, soups, and stews. Food that fills you up and stretches a meager portion of meat. My mom made spaghetti more like a casserole rather than the traditional spaghetti with a blob of meat sauce. I recall her making two types: one very mild and the other a bit more traditional. I loved both of them. She would always have me go to our local grocery store called “Grocerland” to pick up some fresh Italian bread to serve with our meal.
This recipe reminds me of my mother’s, but there is a twist: it is made in a pressure cooker. Making spaghetti in a pressure cooker turns a simple meal into an even simpler one. Everything is made in one pot, and the spaghetti is done 8 minutes after the pot reaches pressure. With inflation and the Trump tariff taxes, it is important to stretch every penny, or I guess nickel, since we no longer use pennies. The meal ingredients themselves are very inexpensive. Additionally, using an electric pressure cooker is one of the most energy-efficient cooking methods. Here is this very simple recipe.
Brown the meat using the saute setting on your electric pressure cooker. I’m using 1.5 pounds of ground turkey.
Drain off excess fat and add your spices.
Add the jar of spaghetti sauce.
Use the spaghetti jar to measure the water. Add one and one-half jars of water.
Add 1 can of diced tomatoes.
Break 1 pound of spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Make sure that the spaghetti is submerged and try to separate it as much as reasonably possible (this doesn’t have to be perfect).
Set your pressure cooker for 8 minutes on high pressure. When it is done, immediately release the pressure.
Stir. Initially, the mixture may seem too watery. However, stirring not only thickens it but also breaks up any clumps of spaghetti.
Served with some Parmesan Cheese and some garlic bread. It was delicious.
This meal fed three adults, and there is plenty left for 2-3 additional meals. There was minimal cleanup, as everything was made in a single pot. The original recipe was from “The Salty Marshmallow.” However, there are many variations on this recipe. Try it, especially if you have kids. I think that they would love it.
Fact One: Two of my daughters are into sheet-pan dinners. Those are dinners where everything is made on a single cookie sheet in the oven. They will make enough for a family, and then divide up the meal into portions for 4 separate evenings.
Fact Two: Several years ago, Amazon approached me and asked me if I wanted to be an official reviewer for them. I initially thought that the offer wasn’t from Amazon and ignored it. However, they were persistent, and it turns out that Amazon uses trusted reviewers to gather product feedback. I signed up, and it has been a lot of fun as I have tested everything from kitchen appliances to tents. Amazon sends me the items free of charge and all they want is an honest review from me.
You may be wondering how facts one and two are related. Well, I was on the phone with one of my daughters, who told me she was making a sheet-pan dinner. I mentioned that I should try to make one too. Moments later, Amazon offered me some McCormick sheet-pan spice packets to review. Strange, indeed, but it was the perfect time for me to test out that way of cooking.
I’m on a mission to help others who are suffering from inflation and the Trump tariff taxes. One of the easiest ways to stretch your dollars is to pull back from restaurants and fast food. The simpler you can make home cooking, the more likely you will do it. This recipe is about as easy as you can get. I’m normally a “from scratch” cooker, but I’m not opposed to convenience. Amazon sent me a case of 12 apple/pork spice packets, and today I made packet one. Spoiler alert: I’ll be making this meal again, it was super easy and pretty tasty. Let’s get into it!
I used one packet for today’s dinner. The directions are on the back and pretty simple. First things first, turn your oven up to 425F (220C).
The recipe called for 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, but I only had 1 pound, so I added 1 pound of regular potatoes, cut roughly into 1″ cubes.
Now for the 1 pound of sweet potatoes, also in 1″ cubes.
Then I cored a couple of apples. It is OK to leave the peels on. The recipe called for 2 apples, but mine were pretty small, so I used three.
I added around 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Feel free to use whatever oil you have on hand. I probably added a bit more than 1 tablespoon.
Sprinkle on the spice mix, but reserve around 1 tablespoon to season the pork. I didn’t measure, but it all worked out.
Mix it up until all of the pieces are coated. The best way to do this is with a clean hand. But, you do you.
Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Place it in your heated oven for 20 minutes.
Season both sides of your pork chops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix. The packet is for 4 porkchops. We had only three diners and three pork chops. It all worked out.
After 20 minutes, take the sheet pan out of the oven and do your best to turn over the vegetables. This doesn’t have to be perfect. Clear a space in the middle for the pork chops and return the tray to the oven for 15 more minutes. That’s it.
Here is the meal plated up. It was great. Slightly sweet and slightly smoky. The seasoning was mild and not overpowering. The addition of the apple was great. I could see adding some onion wedges, too. I will definitely make this again. It was extremely easy to make; the hardest part was peeling the potatoes, and that wasn’t very hard. Delicious!
As parents, our job is to parent, and one of those jobs is to teach our kids life skills. When my wife returned to the paid workfoce I resumed the task of making meals. However, I didn’t do it solo; I involved my kids, and meal-making time became a fun and educational experience in Kunaland. Teaching your kids how to cook is vital, especially amid today’s inflation and the Trump tariff taxes. Yes, buying groceries has become ridiculously expensive, but going out to eat is even more costly.
I like making simple meals on weekdays. I’m a competent cook, but I’m not a hobby chef. Casseroles and hot dishes are perfect as they are often one-pot meals with plenty of leftovers. This recipe makes a 9 x 13 casserole, but it could be halved. It fed three of us for dinner. My son will take a large leftover portion for his school lunch, and there will be a couple of extra portions beyond that.
I was going to make a more upscale tuna noodle casserole, which I may do in a future post. However, I decided on this one as it is as easy as “dump and go.” It is a perfect recipe to teach your kids very basic cooking skills. No kids, or are they already grown? Tuna noodle casserole is still a perfect comfort food. There are many variations on this recipe, so don’t fret if you need to substitute or even omit an ingredient. A person who will remain nameless in my house hates peas. I love peas, but out of deference to her, I substituted a can of corn. Ops, did I just reveal the pea hater?
This recipe is from “All Recipes.” There are many variations on this theme.
Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the package.
These are the other ingredients. I drained the vegetables and tuna. Not shown is the onion. I didn’t have an onion, so I chopped up a small shallot. I’m using canned corn, but peas would be better. Don’t forget, I have a pea hater.
Put all of the ingredients in a big bowl. If you have kids, they will love dumping everything into the bowl and mixing it up. If you like a creamier casserole, add about 1/2 C of milk. I’m only adding 1/2 of the cheese and reserving the rest for the topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175 °C).
Add the cooked and drained noodles and mix.
Place it evenly in a 9 x 13 pan. I sprayed some cooking spray on the dish to make clean-up a bit easier, but that isn’t totally necessary.
Top with crushed potato chips. You could use other toppings such as bread crumbs/melted butter or crackers/melted butter. Don’t have any of that? You could also forgo the topping, but it does add something.
Top with half of the cheese. You could also add all of the cheese to the casserole mix and forgo the cheese topping.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Let it stand for around 10 minutes before serving.
I also made a small loaf of my bran and flaxseed bread in my bread maker to go along with the casserole.
Served up. A simple meal, but very comforting on a wintery day. Yes, I know… I like my butter.
Are you interested in taking better photos? Are you feeling the limitations of your cell phone’s camera?
High-end mirrorless cameras have become the standard for photography in 2026. However, advanced models can be incredibly expensive, and their lenses can cost significantly more than the camera body itself. Fear not, there are high-quality, less expensive options if you know where to look.
This Canon R5 Mark II is an incredible camera, but it also comes at an incredible price: $3899 for the body only. Lenses for this camera can cost more than the body. Yes, any photographer would be thrilled to own an R5II, but the vast majority of amateur and professional photographers would do just fine with a used camera for pennies on the dollar.
This 70-200 mm lens has fantastic quality. But do you want to pay $2999 for a single “RF” mount lens that works with the camera shown above?
This 100-300 mm lens is a wildlife photographer’s dream, but for most, it will remain a dream at $10,599.
Cell phone limitations
Modern cell phones take excellent snapshots. If you just want a photo to commemorate an event, or you want to text a friend an image of an item you’re considering purchasing, most cell phones will do the job.
You may wonder how they can take such pleasant pictures, given that phone image sensors are tiny. Many of their abilities are due to the powerful microprocessors in phones, which are capable of doing computational photography. Additionally, some phones offer wide-angle and telephoto options, making them even more versatile.
However, despite their technological prowess, cell phones are ultimately limited by the physical size of their tiny sensors and the lack of controls. It is possible to go beyond a point-and-shoot experience with some phone cameras, but doing so can be awkward and clumsy. Controlling a phone camera for anything other than a standard shot can range from difficult to impossible.
Advantages of a dedicated interchangeable lens camera
The image sensor is the silicon chip that receives light from the lens and converts it into an electrical signal that the camera’s microprocessor can understand. The area of a full-frame camera sensor is over 50 times that of a cell phone sensor, and smaller camera-sensor sizes, such as APS-C (crop sensor) and Micro 4/3 (MFT), also have substantially larger sensor areas than a cell phone’s sensor. A larger sensor area can gather significantly more light than a tiny one, resulting in better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range, which is the ability to capture many tone gradations between light and dark areas of the image. Additionally, larger sensors have physical characteristics that can create photo effects, such as a natural-looking background blur (bokeh) that pleasantly separates the subject from the background. Phone’s computer-created bokeh often looks synthetic, not natural.
Cameras are designed for one purpose only: to record images. Because of this, they are very ergonomic for this function.
Pro-level and enthusiast cameras have many physical controls that let you adjust every aspect of image capture.
Many cameras have robust weather sealing, making them usable under weather conditions that would destroy a cell phone.
Just about any aspect of picture taking can be easily controlled with a pro-level or enthusiast camera.
-Shutter speed can be increased to freeze a moving object.
-The lens opening (aperture) can be adjusted to make a background buttery soft or razor sharp.
-The sensor’s gain (ISO) can be altered to increase or decrease the camera’s sensitivity to light.
Dedicated cameras can do photo-centric tasks such as taking multiple images at different exposures. These photos can be combined in-camera or in software to create a high dynamic range (HDR) photo, preserving details in both bright and dark areas. As an example, if you take a photo of an interior with a brightly lit window, both the room and the window will be properly exposed.
This HDR image of a kitchen remodel properly exposes both the kitchen and the windows. If this were a simple shot, the windows would be “blown out,” appearing as bright blobs of light.
Dedicated cameras make it easy to use accessories, such as an external flash or a tripod.
Cameras with interchangeable lenses open up enormous possibilities. A wide-angle lens can capture expansive interior shots; a telephoto lens can magnify a tiny object, such as a bird in flight; and a macro lens can image a butterfly in detail. The possibilities are endless with a camera that lets you change lenses. Some lenses are “fast” as they let in a lot of light, making them ideal for shooting in dark places where a flash would be distracting and inappropriate, such as a church or a nightclub. Other lenses, called tilt-shift lenses, are designed to correct the proportional distortion that occurs when shooting tall buildings. There are other specialty lenses that are designed to perform other functions, too. Different lens types allow you to take photos that would be impossible with your cell phone camera.
Many dedicated cameras are built to a rugged standard far beyond that of any phone.
Pro-level vs enthusiast level
Many camera companies offer a line of cameras that range from casual to professional-level models. Pro-level cameras are built to the highest standards and typically offer the best that a camera company has to offer. Enthusiast-level cameras are one step down, offering many of the same capabilities as a pro-level camera, but with less robust components, slightly reduced specifications, and (sometimes) fewer control surfaces (knobs and dials). However, they can still be excellent and will deliver 90-95% of what a pro-level camera can. An enthusiast user may use their camera on a shoot three or four times a month, while a professional may use their camera “hard” every day. An enthusiast-camera may not be as durable as a Pro-camera, but it will likely have less “mileage” on it, which, at times, can make it a better choice.
This Nikon D7200 is an enthusiast-level camera that is loaded with features. It has an APS-C-sized sensor and offers excellent image quality. On eBay this used camera was only $349.
Advantages of the RAW format
I usually shoot in the standard JPEG format, but I sometimes shoot in RAW when needed. All pro-level and enthusiast cameras can shoot in both JPEG and RAW. RAW is a data format that is converted to an actual image using photo software. The RAW format allows for much greater post-shot manipulation, including the use of noise-reduction software. I have taken images shot in dark environments that had a lot of digital noise and made them usable by running the RAW files through my photo editor’s noise-reduction software.
Types of cameras
DSLR
SLR (Single Lens Reflex) film cameras were introduced in the 1930s and became the de facto standard for all cameras. These cameras used a prism and a flipping mirror to bounce the image from the lens to an eyepiece. The mirror would snap out of the way when the shutter was pressed, exposing the shutter and film to light. The advantage of an SLR camera was that you could exactly view what the lens was seeing before you took the photo.
Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras are similar to SLR cameras but use a sensor chip and electronics instead of film. The first professional DSLRs emerged in the 1990s, with Nikon introducing the first practical DSLR in 1999. Consumer-affordable DSLRs were introduced in the early 2000s, with the first sub-$1000 DSLR introduced in 2003 (the Canon Digital Rebel), making this technology available to hobby photographers.
I bought my first DSLR in 2003, a Canon 300D, known as a “Digital Rebel” in the US. It was the first sub-$1000 DSLR ever and had amazing capabilities for its time. However, its technology is now very dated, and this camera is not recommended for purchase.
Since DSLRs used the same form factor and controls as SLRs, it was easy for photographers to adapt to this new technology. These cameras became the standard for professionals in the 2000s.
DSLRs are developed along model lines, with simpler, less expensive versions offered to consumers. Pro models feature more durable construction, weather sealing, better controls, and more advanced specifications. Pro models from as early as 2008 can still produce professional-quality images that could be printed in a magazine today. However, every year cameras advance with ever-better autofocus, low-light performance, and dynamic range. Cameras have also increased their megapixel (MP) counts, with some super-resolution DSLRs reaching 40-50 MP. However, excellent photos can be taken with MP counts as low as 12 MP using a pro camera like a Nikon D700 (introduced in 2008). Many consider 16 MP just fine for most any work, while most newer cameras sport a MP count between 20 and 30 MP.
The Nikon D700 was introduced in 2008 and only has a 12 MP sensor. However, it is still loved and used professionally, especially by portrait photographers as it produces beautiful images that resemble film. This one was found on eBay for around $250. Its original price was $2999.00.
Sony produced a DSLR-like SLT (Single Lens Translucent) product line that was officially discontinued in 2021. However, Sony heavily moved towards mirrorless cameras starting in 2013. Canon and Nikon abandoned the DSLR format around 2018-2019 in favor of professional mirrorless cameras, ending the DSLR era. The only company that still makes DSLR cameras as of this writing is Pentax. Pentax makes good cameras, but they hold a tiny market share.
Mirrorless Cameras
Point-and-shoot mirrorless digital cameras have been around since the mid-1990s, but they were simple in design, had tiny sensors, and offered little customization. More serious mirrorless cameras were introduced around 2008, using an MFT-sized sensor. I had an early MFT camera, and it took fantastic photos, but it was more limited than a DSLR in that its sensor was less capable in low light, and its focusing system, called contrast detection, was slower than the systems on DSLR cameras (called phase detection).
This Olympus OMD10 IV is a mirrorless camera that uses the MFT format. It is tiny but very capable, and is a perfect travel camera. I found it on eBay for $447.
This Sony A6000 uses an APS-C sized sensor. It was introduced in 2014 but is still an excellent camera in 2026. It was listed on eBay for $399.
However, now all common sensor sizes are available in mirrorless designs, and advances in processing and sensor design have dramatically improved low-light performance and focusing in these cameras. Many now outperform traditional DSLRs. Current high-end mirrorless cameras offer fantastic low-light performance, unbelievably fast autofocus, excellent displays, and great video performance. However, they also come with a very high price tag, and the lenses for these cameras can sometimes exceed the cost of the camera itself.
Lens mounts
Every camera brand uses its own lens mounting system, which is incompatible with other brands’. The only exceptions are Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras that use the same mounting system. Within a brand, different systems use different mounts. For instance, Canon DSLR cameras use the “EF” mount, while their new R mirrorless cameras use an “RF” mount.
This Canon 24-70 mm lens is for Canon’s newer RF mirrorless cameras. It sells for an eye watering $2399. A 24-70 mm lens covers about 95% of shots a typical photographer takes, making it versatile.
Here is the same lens used, but for Canon’s DSLR or “EF” mount. It was only $597 on eBay. That is 1/4th the price!
About sensor size
Professional and enthusiast cameras typically come in three sensor sizes. I’m excluding the fourth sensor size, medium format, because the vast majority of photographers don’t use it, as it can be extraordinarily expensive.
-Full Frame. This is the largest commonly used sensor size and the most expensive of the common three sensor sizes. The sensor size is roughly the same as 35 mm film. Generally, this sensor size offers excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. The physics of this large sensor make it the best at producing a blurry background, a common practice when doing portrait photography. Full-frame cameras tend to be the most expensive, and their lenses are also more expensive than those for other formats, since they require larger glass elements to accommodate larger sensors. This sensor size can be found in both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
This Sony A7 Mark II is a full-frame sensor mirrorless camera that was introduced in 2014 at a bargain price of $1700.00. It can be found on eBay for $440.
The Canon 5D Mark III was introduced in 2012 at $3499. It is a pro-level camera used by many professionals. Loved by all types of photographers from wedding to local paper sports shooters. I found this one on eBay for $403.
-APS-C (crop) sensors. These sensors are about 2.5 times smaller than a full-frame sensor. Yet, some perform nearly as well as a full-frame sensor. They are less expensive to produce, and crop-sensor-specific lenses are also less expensive because the glass elements used are smaller. Crop sensor cameras have a smaller field of view, so images appear magnified. For this reason, they can be a better choice for shooting distant objects, such as birds in flight or sporting events from the sidelines. This sensor size can be found in both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
-MFT sensors. Almost 4 times smaller than a full-frame sensor, these sensors can still offer outstanding image quality. They can have good low-light performance, but not as good as a full-frame or some APS-C sensors. However, their smaller size does have some advantages. Camera bodies are smaller, as are lenses. They have a larger cropping factor than even APS-C sensors, making images appear even more magnified. Cameras with these size sensors are popular with bird photographers, vacationers, and nature photographers, and also have a place with some sports photographers, as their smaller size can be easily carried while offering great images and a higher perceived “magnification” at the same telephoto length compared to the other two formats. MFT sensors can only be found in mirrorless cameras.
Lens mounts
Every camera brand uses its own lens-mounting system, which is incompatible with other brands’. The only exceptions are Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras that use the same mounting system. Within a brand, different systems use different mounts. For instance, Canon DSLR cameras use the “EF” mount, while their newer R mirrorless cameras use the “RF” mount.
Why consider a DSLR camera in 2026
Flagship DSLR cameras from as early as 2008-2009 can offer stunning images. Older pro-level DSLR cameras can hold their own for more static photography, such as wedding, portrait, architectural, and corporate photography. However, later versions of DSLRs have ever better autofocus, low-light performance, and dynamic range. These newer DSLRs are perfect for fast-moving sports, low-light concert photography, and nature shots such as birds in flight. More recent pro-level DSLRs can be great choices for all types of photography, including fast-moving subjects.
DSLRs offer the level of control and flexibility to shoot just about any subject, and pro models/enthusiast models are built to last and even withstand a bit of abuse.
The Canon 7D II was introduced in 2014 as an APS-C format camera for fast action sports and wildlife shooting. It had an excellent focusing system and a fast burst rate. The original cost was around $1800, but it can be found on eBay for about $349 in 2026.
The Nikon D500 replaced the legendary Nikon D300 in 2016 with an original cost of $2000. The D500 is an all-rounder with an emphasis on shooting fast-moving subjects. This APS-C camera is currently being offered on eBay for $340.
The Nikon D750 is a full-frame DSLR that was introduced in 2014 as a pro-grade camera. It originally sold for $2300, but this copy can be had on eBay for $462.
The camera industry has shifted to mirrorless, so many photographers have ditched their DSLRs for the latest and greatest mirrorless options. You can buy used pro-level or enthusiast DSLRs for a fraction of their original price. Additionally, their lenses are also being sold at fire-sale prices. It is possible to put together a pro-level kit, including a top camera and a few nice lenses for less than the price of a new pro-level mirrorless camera body.
This graph from mpb.com shows the decline of DSLR sales.
This is the Canon 5D Mark IV. It was introduced in 2016 for $3499 and can now be found on eBay for $700-$800. It is a pro-level camera that offers a full-frame sensor and a host of pro-features. This is the camera that I use for much of my professional work in 2026. It is a joy to use.
A kitchen remodel shot using the 5D Mark IV.
A corporate/portrait shot using the 5D Mark IV.
How about an older mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras have become superstars over the last few generations, and their capabilities have exceeded those of DSLRs. Early mirrorless cameras could take excellent photos, but their focusing performance was not on par with DSLRs. However, they were often much smaller as were their lenses, making them great travel companions. Their images and capabilities were significantly better than phone cameras.
I bought my first mirrorless camera in 2011, an Olympus EPL-2. It took fantastic photos. I had no complaints using this MFT-format camera, and I thought the focusing was good. However, its early contrast detection system could not compete with a DLSL phase-detection autofocus system. Newer MFT cameras have excellent auto-focus.
Mirrorless cameras from around 10 years ago offered better focusing, low-light performance, and more control surfaces. These cameras can be had at a good price, especially those that have MFT or APS-C sensors. You can find used MFT lenses at reasonable prices. Some lenses from older APS-C mirrorless cameras can also be sensibly priced.
Newer mirrorless cameras are more like computers in a camera case, as they are so sophisticated. New lenses are very expensive, sometimes more than the camera body itself. New mirrorless cameras are fantastic, but most of us don’t need their super-high level of performance.
But what about video?
Early digital cameras were primarily photography tools. The first DSLR to record video was the Nikon D90, introduced in 2008, but it could only record a short 5 minutes of video at a fairly low resolution. As time has gone on, the video capabilities of digital cameras have improved, with some new cameras offering amazing focus-tracking and up to 8K video. If you need strong video performance, you will need to buy a more recent camera. Depending on your needs, you can still find used cameras that offer decent focusing and high-resolution video, even if they are several generations old. Make sure that you check your camera’s specifications and watch a review before buying if you are primarily interested in using your camera for video work.
Why consider an older mirrorless camera in 2026
By going back a few camera generations, you can get a very high-quality camera for a fraction of the cost of a new mirrorless camera. Very early mirrorless cameras will not offer the speedy focusing and low-light performance that you may want. However, many pro-level and enthusiast mirrorless cameras from around 10 years ago will. Compared to mirrorless cameras, a pro-level DSLR from as far back as 2008 can deliver excellent images. Naturally, the more modern the camera, the better its specifications.
Conclusion
Cameras have been evolving, and every few years, there has been a leap in performance. However, pro-level cameras from as early as 2008 can still produce stunning magazine-level images.
Enthusiast-level cameras will be slightly less capable than a pro-body, but may have lower shutter counts. Some of these, like the Nikon 7200 (introduced in 2015) and the Canon 80D (introduced in 2016), are very capable cameras.
Shots that would be absolutely impossible to shoot with your cell phone are within reach of dedicated cameras. You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to buy a camera that will produce photos that are significantly better than your cell phone. The cameras that photographers drooled over a few years ago are now available at a bargain price.
When buying used gear, avoid cameras that look like they have been through a war. Try to buy a camera with a relatively low shutter count, let’s say below 50K-75K actualization. However, even with higher shutter counts, a camera may still have years of service. High-end pro cameras have been known to have working shutters with 300K actualizations. Avoid cameras with any signs of moisture intrusion or mold.
When it comes to lenses, avoid cloudy or internally moldy lenses. If you are buying a zoom lens, it should extend smoothly. Light scratches on the outside lens element are usually OK, but avoid deep scratches.
For both cameras and lenses, check all buttons and dials to the best of your ability. If possible, take some test shots. I have bought cameras from eBay with good results, but it is a bit riskier. I always check the seller’s rating and avoid sellers who have listed only a few items. A good seller will accurately rate a camera, so read the description carefully. I have heard that people can get good deals on Facebook Marketplace, here too, ask questions, and test the camera if possible. Resellers like KEH and MPB inspect their cameras, provide reliable assessments, and offer a limited warranty. You may pay a bit more, but you will have peace of mind if you go with a professional reseller. If possible, ask if a seller will allow you to return a camera if it is not working properly within a few weeks after purchase.
For most, a pro-level or enthusiast DSLR offers the most value. However, if a smaller size is important, one could consider an older-generation mirrorless camera, as they can also be had at a good price. With a bit of creativity and practice, an older camera can do just about anything a new one can. Practicing on an older camera will teach you everything you need to become a proficient photographer. Remember, it is the photographer’s skill, not the camera’s newness, that matters. Don’t listen to influencers who are being paid to get you to buy cameras. Most professionals don’t change their cameras based on the latest and greatest; many are still using older cameras and churning out great work. I was a guest at a wedding where the photographer was using two cameras: a Canon 5D, introduced in 2005, and a Canon 5D Mark III, introduced in 2012. I saw his work, and it was stunning. He knew how to use his cameras!
Images are mine, eBay sellers’, or various web pages, and are used for educational/entertainment purposes only.
Have you ever heard of Adobe software? If not, I’m sure you have seen the results of this suite of tools at work: it is used to edit movies and YouTube videos, make special video effects, and create illustrations in magazines. In fact, Adobe created the famous PDF format that we all know and use.
I was a heavy user of two of Adobe’s programs in the early 2000s: Adobe Premiere, a video-editing program, and Adobe Photoshop, the de facto photo-editing program. These programs were expensive to buy, but they were powerful and offered tools unavailable in other software. However, I abandoned them in 2013 when Adobe went to a subscription model, and I found other software that worked well enough for my editing needs. Adobe required a monthly payment to use their software. Initially, that cost was reasonable, but I could see the writing on the wall. Since then, the cost has risen, and Adobe has faced significant backlash for its exploitative practices, including hidden and excessive fees for anyone who dares to cancel their subscription. Beyond this, a photographer’s photos are trapped within the Adobe system, and Adobe admits to using subscribers’ content to train its AI model.
When Apple Music launched in 2015, I was delighted to be able to buy any song for ninety-nine cents. However, I now pay Spotify a monthly fee to stream music. It is great to hear any song at any time, but if I stop paying, the music goes away.
I have been using home computers since the late 1970s. For decades, all of the programs that I used were stored on my computer. If I needed to archive something, I plugged in an external hard drive. However, I now store things in the cloud, which requires a subscription service. Even classic programs, like Microsoft Word, are now subscription-based. Stop paying, and the program stops working.
I recently installed an app on a tablet, only to find it had become a monthly subscription that I absolutely didn’t want. It was easy to subscribe, but I can’t tell you how difficult it was to cancel. How many hidden subscriptions do I have? Subscriptions that keep charging me for things I don’t use or need. Things I clicked on long ago, now lost to memory.
The average person spends $300 a month on subscriptions. You may think you don’t spend that much, but data shows the average person underestimates their subscription fees by at least $100.
Now everything requires a subscription. Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and so it goes. Over-the-air TV broadcasters are pushing to add encryption to TV signals that use the public airwaves.
My old car was a 2014 Ford. It was loaded with tech, much of which I never used. On my old car, I could click on the key fob to remotely start it. I recently purchased a new car. The new car requires a yearly fee to unlock certain features. To access these featuresI need to use an app on my phone. That subscription also monitors options that even my former 2008 Honda did for free. Important information, like informing me when my car needs an oil change, now costs money. I think that is wrong.
I was recently riding in a friend’s extremely expensive car. He was trying to find a street, and so I clicked on the button for his car’s built-in navigation system. It didn’t work. I told my friend this, and he told me the navigation system required a monthly subscription, which he decided not to renew. A monthly subscription to use the built-in GPS on a car that costs well over $100,000? That seems wrong. I have also heard of other luxury cars that require a subscription to use their seat heaters.
HP sells printers with an “Instant Ink” feature. This is a monthly subscription that controls how much you print. Print more than your subscription? You are charged more. Cancel the subscription? Your printer will brick even if you have lots of ink in your cartridges. Keurig was selling a 2.0 coffee pot that required you to use “official” coffee pods. My GE refrigerator will not let me use non-GE water filters.
Many of these services gather data and sell that data to third parties. Even my smart TV is informing data brokers what I’m watching and how often I turn it on.
Frankly, I’m sick of the never-ending ways that companies extract money from me. Some of those ways I have control over. I can choose to find alternatives to programs like Photoshop and Microsoft Word. I can choose to forgo a car subscription and live with the limitations. Yet, it bothers me that the days of buying something seem to be over. I recently read a report that car dealers are exploring subscription models instead of outright purchases. These models would be different from a car lease and more like the other monthly payments we have been subjected to.
I know that there are services that will seek out and cancel subscriptions, but can I trust them? They are often free, so how do they make their money? I know I can find other ways to alert me when I need an oil change, and I can brave the weather and start my car just like everyone else. I know that I can use alternative software that isn’t subscription-based. However, I worry that those will eventually become subscriptions. It seems every subscription eventually increases in price, becomes more restrictive, and harder to cancel. My Netflix subscription started at $9 and is now almost $20. The same can be said of my internet provider and many other services.
I don’t see a clear solution to this problem. For now, I’ll restrict all of those subscription options where I can find a workaround. For others, I’ll likely go with the most basic option that works for me. However, I have to say it makes me angry, and I only see it getting worse as ever-profit-seeking industries push the envelope further and further. The rich get richer, and the rest of us… Well, we are the ones funding their wealth.
This printer cost $129. Stop the subscription, and your printer will brick.
If you read my posts, you know that I love gadgets. Cameras, computers, and kitchen appliances are all fun for me to use and experiment with.
I love discovering odd appliances that turn out to have practical uses. Case in point, vacuum sealers. Cast in point number two, bread machines.
Bread machines were the darling kitchen gadget of the early 1990s, but fell out of favor when the keto/caveman craze hit. People were not eating bread, so there was no need for bread makers. However, in 2026, many of us are back to more balanced diets. Personally, I believe in eating a variety of foods in moderation. I never gave up on my bread machines, and I’m still amazed at their versatility.
As we face inflation and the Trump tariffs, it becomes ever more important to find ways to save money, and cooking at home is one of them. Using a bread maker can not only save you money, it can also give you a better product.
Beyond loaves of bread, all bread makers can make dough to be used for a variety of foods, from pizza to breadsticks. With a bread maker, making dough is as simple as “dump and go.” Ninety minutes later, you have dough to shape and bake in your oven. The result is delicious homemade bread that will impress. All with a very low work-to-result ratio.
My son’s girlfriend came over for a casual weekday dinner. I was making a simple casserole and wanted to make the meal just a little more special, so I threw together some homemade dinner rolls. They were delicious, so let me share the recipe with you. This recipe is from the Betty Crocker Best Bread Machine Cookbook.
I measured the ingredients and put them into the bread machine’s baking pan in the order listed. I measure most ingredients by weight; for instance, one cup of flour is around 120 grams. I do use measuring spoons for lightweight items like salt and yeast. Measuring by weight is not only more accurate, but also easier. I place the baking pan on my kitchen scale, tare the scale to zero, and weigh my ingredient. Then tare again for the next ingredient.
The machine will mix, knead, and ferment the dough. This is what it looks like when the cycle is completed.
I’m not very good at eyeballing the dough into equal rolls, so I measured it and then divided the weight by the number of rolls I was making. This recipe makes 15 rolls; however, I only have one muffin pan that makes a dozen, so I made slightly larger rolls by dividing by 12. My math said each roll should be around 60 grams. I’m not going for precision, so this roll at 62 grams is just fine. Pro tip: I let the dough rest for about 10 minutes after turning it out of the pan onto a floured surface. This time relaxes the dough, making it easier to work with.
I flatten each roll as above. I’ll have a bit of flour on my hands so the dough doesn’t stick to them.
I drew the corners of the flattened dough into a ball and pinched it together.
I placed each dough ball into a greased muffin tin, pinched side down. Yes, these are not perfect balls. I’m a guy and a simple cook. They will still taste great. You may be concerned about the condition of this muffin pan. It has been used for over 30 years, producing thousands of baked goods. It works great, and I love it.
Place the tin in a warm, draft-free place and cover it with a light cloth. A clean cotton dishcloth works well. Let the dough rise for around 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C).
The rolls after the rise.
Bake 12-15 minutes. These rolls were baked for 12 minutes. If you’re unsure if they are done, you can poke them with a food thermometer. if the internal temperature is 190F (85C) they are done. If you want to be fancy, paint a little melted butter on the rolls. I’m not fancy, so I didn’t.
I let the rolls cool for around 10 minutes and then gently took them out of the muffin tin. You can also make free-form rolls on a cookie sheet or turn them into Parker House rolls by dividing each dough ball into three balls and placing the triplet in a muffin cup.
We ate some rolls still warm. I placed the rest into a Rubbermaid container for the next day. They reheat well with a short round in the microwave.
There you have it. Very simple, yet delicious. As good as any bakery roll, but less expensive. A perfect accompaniment to just about any meal, and what smells better than bread baking?
I’m a competent cook, but I’m not a hobby cook. I don’t mind putting a meal together, but it isn’t the driving force of my life. In fact, the only part of cooking that I truly enjoy is playing with kitchen appliances. I’m a gadget guy.
Inflation and the Trump tariff taxes are affecting me just like everyone else, but it’s clear I can reduce my day-to-day costs by cooking at home.
My son’s girlfriend came over for a weekday dinner yesterday. She has had dinner here many times and is more like a family member rather than a guest. However, I know she doesn’t do well with acidic foods, especially those with a lot of tomato products; so many of my “go-to” recipes were shelved for yesterday’s dinner. I wanted to make something she would enjoy, but it had to be easy for me, too. In this case, I upped the ante a bit by making some homemade yeasted rolls in a bread maker. I’ll likely post that recipe soon. The rolls were made the day before and kept in a Rubbermaid container. All I needed to do was make the stuffing casserole and microwave some vegetables. Easy peasy.
This recipe is from Lil’ Luna, but I have seen similar ones from many authors. It is definitely a recipe conceived in the 1970s, as it relies heavily on pre-packaged foods. With that said, it is cheap, extremely simple to make, and it tastes good.
Screenshot
I made the stuffing and set it aside. I used water plus Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken stock. You could just use water, which may be a better option as the stuffing and soup are already salty. At this point, also preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
I dumped all of the other ingredients into a 9 x 13 pan. It would be a good idea to spray the pan with a non-stick spray… but I didn’t, and it was fine. I’m using 1/2 of a Costco roasted chicken. I’ll buy a chicken, pull off the meat, and freeze it into two vacuum-sealed bags. This chicken was from 2024 (it is now 2026), and it was perfectly good as vacuum seal bags prevent freezer burn.
I mixed up the concoction and then added 1 drained can of mixed vegetables. You could use any vegetable, canned or frozen (thawed), that you like. Options include peas and carrots, green beans, mushrooms, or just carrots.
I then spread out the mixture.
I then sprinkled the cooked dressing over the mixture and baked it for about an hour at 375°F (190°C). You want to bake the casserole until it is bubbly and the dressing has browned a bit. I like to “over-bake” a bit to really firm up the casserole, but you do you.
Here it is plated up with a homemade yeasted roll, broccoli, and some jellied cranberries.
The dinner was a hit and served 4 of us; 2 lunch servings were left for the next day. It uses a lot of processed foods, but it’s quick to make, cheap, and tastes good.
Let’s do a price break down:
(From the Aldi US website on 1/8/26)
Stuffing mix. $1.05
Mushroom soup. $0.79
Chicken soup. $0.79
Chicken $2.50 (1/2 of a Costco $5 roasted chicken)
Canned Veg. $1.09
Butter. $0.41
Sour Cream. $1.00
Total $7.63. or $1.27 Per Serving
For these cost savings, I’m using Aldi-branded foods. The chicken is from Costco, their famous $4.99 roasted chicken. I’m only using one-half of the meat, so one chicken can be used for several meals. I’m using canned vegetables, but frozen could be substituted for a small additional up-charge. You can also use canned chicken. In that case the meal could become a shelf-stable option that you keep on your “just in case” shelf.
Add whatever sides you like to bulk out the meal. This may be a good meal to try if you are new to cooking or if you are trying to teach your kids how to cook. Teaching your kids how to cook is a great gift. I taught my kids, starting simply when they were young, and they are all competent adult cooks. They are saving money, just like me…and possibly you!
My sister has been cooking her entire adult life. Her kids are grown and long gone, but they visit her frequently. She loves that they remain close to her and her husband, but there is a problem. Some of her adult children, their partners, and her grandchildren have special dietary needs. Some are vegetarians, others have gluten intolerance, and still others have issues with dairy.
Meal prep for Christmas is especially challenging, as some will arrive early and others late. This year for Christmas dinner, she went an untraditional route and made two giant pots of chili. One with ground beef and the other with Impossible Beef (synthetic beef). Not only was her choice a practical solution, but her family loved the results.
My sister used a recipe she found online from the YouTuber, “Clutterbug,” but I’ll just call it “Nancy’s chili.” It is the easiest chili recipe I have ever made, and when I served it to my family for a weekday dinner, they thought it was delicious, too.
Inflation and the Trump tariff taxes have made everything more expensive. This recipe is not only very economical but also very flexible, as you will see from the substitutions I made.
The following recipe fed three adults for dinner and there was enough left over for three lunches. Let’s check out the recipe.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef. I had a 1.5-pound package of ground turkey, so I used that.
Drain 1 can of corn and 1 can of black beans. I had a can of pinto beans, so I substituted those. However, my sister says that black beans are the best choice. You can use frozen corn if you wish.
Add a large jar (32 oz) of Marinara sauce to the ground meat. This jar is 32 ounces. If your jar is a bit smaller, go with that and add a little water.
Add the drained beans and corn.
I used these packets of taco and chili seasoning, and they worked well. My sister swears by the brand that she listed in the recipe above. She bought her chili seasoning on Amazon. These are from Aldi.
Add the taco and chili packets and mix in.
Cover, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to a simmer. Let this mixture cook for at least 30 minutes, longer if possible. You may want to give it a stir now and then. Low heat is critical as you want to blend the flavors, but you don’t want to burn the food to the bottom of the pan.
Here is the chili served. Any type of onion on top is a plus. I’m using shallots as I had a few, but a chopped regular onion or a green onion would also work. I added a little shredded cheese and some sour cream to fancy it up. Crackers (of any type) are nice. My mom always served oyster crackers with chili, but we had these Ritz-type crackers on hand, so I used those.
This chili was very thick and filling. If you like a thinner chili, just add some water to the pot. I made a lot of substitutions, but they were all using similar ingredients. For instance, I used ground turkey instead of ground beef and pinto beans instead of black beans. It is OK to do this, and the more you cook, the more comfortable you will become with substituting ingredients.
Many dishes involve similar basic steps, so once you master one dish, you will likely become more comfortable with cooking another.
Over time, I have stockpiled basic ingredients in my kitchen. For this chili, I already had everything I needed in my freezer and pantry. A great place to buy ingredients is Aldi, where spices, canned/frozen vegetables, and other items are reasonably priced.
Let’s say you are making a recipe that uses one can of crushed tomatoes. Just buy two and keep the other one on hand for a future meal. I always have items like tomato products, flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices on hand. Additionally, I have ground meats, chicken, and sometimes pork products in my freezer.
I use convenience products at times, for instance, the Kirkland Marinara sauce that I used in today’s recipe. I’ll always have a couple of cans of condensed cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup on hand. I understand they are not the healthiest products, but they make tossing a meal together simple. Just like the crushed tomato example, it is easy to pick up an extra can of this or that and build a mini stockpile of staple ingredients. I don’t want every mealtime to involve a trip to the grocery store, as that can be a hassle when making a real meal 5-7 times a week.
Remember, last night’s dinner can easily become today’s lunch. I almost always did this when I was working, and my son has picked up the same habit. Another alternative is what one of my daughters does. She makes a dinner for 4, divides it into 4 meals, and has dinner prepared for most of the week. Another daughter has a routine with her breakfasts, often preparing 3-4 easy ones at once. These simple practices can dramatically reduce your cooking while still saving money. Since I cook for multiple people, I’m a bit less regimented. However, we always seem to have leftovers that are consumed one way or another over the next few days.
My son took some of the chili to school for lunch. I had a bowl for lunch yesterday, and I’ll eat the rest today. Think about that, three dinners and three lunches, all with one super easy meal prep. Also, look at the cost savings. Let’s assume a very reasonable $12 per meal if purchased at a restaurant or fast-food joint. Twelve dollars multiplied by six meals equals seventy-two dollars. That doesn’t count tax or tip, and let’s be honest, you can’t even buy a value meal at McDonald’s for $12 in 2026.
I couldn’t find the Costco prices on the ingredient list, so I searched for items on the Aldi site. To make this chili using Aldi ingredients, the total cost would be $9.43, or $1.57 per meal (not counting toppings). If we assume a $12 restaurant/fast-food meal, we are looking at more than 700% savings!
I know financial times are rough, but there are things that we can do to reduce costs. One of the easiest ones is to cook at home.
We drove almost 8 hours to return home from Minnesota. It was Christmas Day. Everything was closed on Christmas Day, including restaurants, fast food joints, and grocery stores. The only accessible businesses open are highway gas stations, which announce their interstate presence with giant neon signs that lurch out of the pitch-black darkness of winter nights.
-We need to eat.
-Our only option is a repast of gas station food.
Don’t feel too sorry for us. We had a great Christmas Eve dinner at my wife’s sister’s house in Minneapolis. We also had a wonderful Christmas Day brunch at my wife’s parents’ place in rural Minnesota. We were filled with both good food and camaraderie.
We will have our own family Christmas dinner in a few days, and we will visit our oldest daughter a few days after that.
As far as our gas station dinner, the food was as expected, perhaps a bit worse. However, it filled us up, and how many people can say that they had gas station food for their Christmas Day dinner? It is another experience to remember. Perhaps our kids will dramatize the event for their own children, “Kids don’t complain, our parents made us eat gas station food for Christmas dinner!” I must confess that I rather like the absurdness.
Everyone celebrates Christmas in their own way. Some expect a Norman Rockwell Christmas: perfect decorations, perfect food, perfect gifts, perfect family. If that is what you desire, you will be unhappy with your holiday.
We take a more freeform approach. In our case, it feels good to connect with our extended family, and we want to spend time together. It was worth driving from Chicago to Minneapolis on Christmas Eve to share a Christmas Eve dinner with my wife’s family. It was worth driving another hour west to have a delightful brunch with my wife’s 96-year-old parents, and it was worth driving almost 8 hours back to Chicago on Christmas Day to make the above happen.
We knew that everything would be closed on our drive home. That was OK. We did want a slightly better selection of gas-station food. But we accepted what was available.
Our adult kids will look back on days like yesterday with fond memories. Long conversations driving home, junk car food, and Christmas dinner purchased and eaten at a gas station.
A gourmet meal eaten with people that you don’t like is dreadful. Gas-station pizza with the people you love is always the better choice.
Dear Reader, life is what you make of it. It is easy to complain about all of the things that you don’t have. Perhaps you couldn’t afford the Pinterest dinner that you saw online. Maybe you couldn’t be with people that you wanted to be with. Or, someone chose not to spend time with you, even though you wanted to be with them on this holiday. The list of unfilled wants goes on and on. It is easy to turn Christmas into a day of disappointment if that is what you choose to do. That is especially true for those who are adept at cherry-picking. Add up online fantasy meals, this friend’s perfect family get-together, that friend’s fantastic received gifts, and this neighbor’s holiday decorations to create a “super” Christmas, and you are sure to make Christmas Day a day of depression.
But why do that? Why not focus on all the positive things you already have? Why not create a day that may be untraditional, yet special? There are many ways to do this, from extending your holiday to others in a similar situation to creating a non-traditional day. Chinese food on Christmas? A movie night at home or at your local movie theater? Christmas Day could be the day that you treat yourself to all of those movie theater concession items that you never allow yourself to buy!
Can’t spend the day with family or friends? How about sharing a glass of eggnog over a group ZOOM call? Feeling alone? Consider volunteering at a community or church Christmas meal. Have the cash, but not the group? Set a fancy table and cook an elaborate “meal-for-one.” Lobster tail, anyone?
For us, we had to shift times and expectations. Our primary goal was to be together. With that goal achieved, the rest of the events were superfluous. We will do a nice family dinner, and we will see our oldest daughter, just not on Christmas. Instead of feeling sorry that we can’t have the perfect Christmas Day, we see our exceptions as an extension of the holiday. We have reframed this non-traditional time and turned a negative into a positive. Gas station food on Christmas turns into a crazy story to retell. Not seeing our oldest on Christmas Day goes from a disappointment to a way to make Christmas last longer.
I have a friend who reminded me of the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” How easy it is to selectively compare our lives with others. How foolish that comparison.
It is easy to feel sad when observing another’s Instagram life, or to fixate on that kid who, for whatever reason, has cut off contact with us, or to focus on that family member who isn’t behaving the way we think they should. Why not focus on the positive instead of the negative? Why not celebrate those who do want to spend time with us, rather than those who don’t?
We all know people who have to deal with unpleasant holiday expectations. The family party that always turns into a brawl. The adult child who is expected to recreate their parents’ expectations instead of creating their own traditions, the gift-opening, where the same person is unhappy with their gift, year after year.
I suggest creating a workaround. Can you avoid that horrible family party? Or can’t find a reason to leave early, and then make your own more pleasant memory. Can you set boundaries with those who want you to be responsible for their fantasy Christmas? Can you use humor to deflect negativity? Can you accept that person who will be unhappy with their gift, and not make it the focus of your day? Move on; let them sit in their own stink, but don’t let it cover you. You don’t have to spoil your holiday too.
Lastly, beyond its religious significance, Christmas is just a day. A day hyped up by advertisers and influencers. If all else fails, accept that it is only one day out of 365. It will be over in 24 hours.
We are more in control of our happiness than we think. Let’s exercise that control!
Peace
Mike
A TA gas station, the home of our Christmas dinner.
We entered with accepted resignation.
Many of the food options were missing. Perhaps a rubber personal pan pizza?
Who says you have to have a full kitchen to make a Christmas Day dinner? This gas station microwave should do the trick!
This grab-and-go chicken tender dinner looked good. Sadly, it was pretty terrible. The tenders were super spicy to the point of creating an urgent need for one of our travelers.
I love Panera’s squash soup, and I always feel a bit sad when the season is over and the soup is retired for the year. However, it is one of the easiest soups to make if you have an Instant Pot, and it is entirely adaptable to cooking on the stove or even in a slow cooker. You will need to add more time for the vegetables to soften completely if you try one of these alternative methods.
This recipe makes quite a bit of soup, and it is inexpensive. However, with inflation and the Trump tariff taxes, some may have to economize further. This very flexible recipe can be modified in a variety of ways to fit your tastes and your budget.
I made some homemade French bread to serve with the soup, but a store-bought French, Italian, or sourdough bread would also be nice.
Check out the recipe, this one is from thedizzycook.com. However, you can find over a dozen other variations on this soup theme. Here is the recipe.
Using a potato peeler, peel the waxed skin off a couple of medium-sized butternut squash until you reach the bright orange meat.
Using a sharp knife, trim off the squash’s bottom and top. Cut the squash in half. Use a tablespoon to remove the seeds and membranes, then discard them. I’m sure there’s a way to bake the seeds, like pumpkin seeds, but the yield would be too small to bother with.
Cut up the shallots and the peeled carrots into large chunks. I have shallots, but you could use an onion if that is what you have on hand.
Add the various spices. I’m using “tube ginger” for convenience. Instead of honey, I added around one tablespoon of brown sugar. For fun, I added a shake of nutmeg and cinnamon. It is OK to substitute and be creative as long as you don’t go too far afield.
I added the apple juice. We don’t drink much juice, so this little 8-ounce “lunch box” apple juice worked out well.
I added the broth, but used chicken instead of vegetable broth. Why? Because that is what I had on hand. Pro tip: I have a big jar of “Better than Bouillon” that I typically use when I need broth (mix with warm water). It takes up little space and keeps well in the fridge. It is less expensive than those boxes of broth, and I always have it on hand. It will add some salt to the recipe, so go light on adding salt and adjust it when the dish is done.
I pressure-cooked on high for 15 minutes, then let the soup rest for 15 minutes more. I released the pressure and tested the vegetables to make sure that they were super tender.
I pulled out my 35-year-old Vitamix to blend the soup. You could use any blender or even a stick blender. I had to blend it in batches. I also added a couple of ounces of cream cheese I found in the fridge, along with about 1/4 cup of half-and-half. These added richness to the soup, though optional. I returned the blended soup to the Instant Pot and adjusted the seasonings. In my case, I added about one tablespoon more of brown sugar because the Panera soup is on the sweet side. However, adjust the soup to your preference.
Here it is, all creamy and delicious, served with homemade French bread. The bread was as easy as adding a few ingredients to a bread machine, pressing a button or two, and walking away. By the way, I added some nuts and a drizzle of half-and-half just for the presentation.
Squash soup is perfect on a cold day. This recipe makes quite a bit and can be frozen if needed. It was delicious!
