Budget Magic

1 1/4c Magic Milk Mix
1 1/4c water or vegetable water (we use water in which we have soaked some dried mushrooms)
1T butter
Seasonings to taste (we use dried mushrooms)

Mix together and cook until thick. No need to cook if it's going into something that will be cooked 30 minutes or longer. Replaces one can cream soup in casseroles and such.

Magic Milk Mix

4c dry milk crystals
1c flour or 2/3c cornstarch
1tsp salt

Mix and store in airtight container.

Peppery Scalloped Potatoes

10 3/4oz can 'cream of' (we like mushroom) soup or one recipe Budget Magic or other substitute
1 1/2c milk
1/2tsp salt
1/8tsp cayenne (or to taste)
5c potatoes, thinly sliced
1/4c butter, melted
1/4c flour

Combine soup, milk, salt, and cayenne. Set aside. Place 1/3 of the potatoes in a greased 9x13 pan; layer with a third of the soup mixture, butter, and flour. Repeat layers twice. Bake, uncovered, at 350*F for an hour and twenty minutes.