After talking with Andoh, I finally understood that miso is nothing to fear.
NPR: Mastering Miso's Mysteries
2.
It turns out that the dashi, or stock, is incredibly easy, and from there, making miso soup with Andoh-recommended shiro miso is an absolute cinch.
NPR: Mastering Miso's Mysteries
3.
It turned out my current jar was from South River Miso based in Massachusetts, which, Andoh informed me, makes some of the best miso available in the United States.