Another mix I like for adding to stuff. It's like Lipton.

Onion Soup Mix

¾ c. dried onion
4 t. onion powder
½ c. beef bouillon powder
¼ t. celery seed
¼ t. sugar

Mix all ingredients and store in airtight container

2 T. = one envelope. Mix with 1 c. water and simmer 15 min for soup.

The theme for tonight's dinner seems to be Crappy School Cafeteria, and we're having one of those thrown together chicken "pies" with a biscuit top. May or may not be any good. But what I wanted to post was this staple of my kitchen, the Cream Soup Substitute Mix. This replaces condensed cream soups like mushroom, celery, and chicken. It's cheaper than generic canned and it's easily divided so that you can make half a can of soup when you only need half for a recipe.

Cream Soup Mix
Makes about 11 "cans"

2 c. dry milk (or 2 envelopes)
1 ¼ c. cornstarch
¼ c. chicken bouillon powder
2 t. dried onion flakes
½ t. pepper
1 t. thyme

Mix and store in airtight container. Combine 1/3 c. mix with 1 ¼ c. water. Microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking between, until proper consistency.

I usually buy a lot of ground beef when it's on sale, brown it and freeze it. I do some with taco seasoning too so it's handy for quick tacos, taco salad, nachos, or other recipes. Though I generally do 2-3 lbs at a time, this recipe is for 1lb and is about 1 packet's worth.

Taco Seasoning

2T. flour
¾ t. salt
¼ t. dried onion
¼ t. paprika
1 ½ t. chili powder
Dash garlic powder
Dash onion powder
¼ c. water

Combine dry ingredients while meat is browning. Drain fat, stir in seasonings and water, and simmer for 10 minutes or so.