By Cyndi Roberts

I have been making this handy, inexpensive mix for years, instead of buying the "brand name" soup mix at the supermarket.

For the biggest savings, I buy the spices at the local Dollar Store--much cheaper than the supermarket!

Beefy-Minced Onion Soup Mix

• 1 1/2 cups dried minced onion
• 2/3 cup beef bouillion granules
• 2/3 cup onion powder--not onion salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Mix all these ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This recipes makes about 3 cups mix. I use 4 or 5 tablespoons when a recipe calls for one envelope mix.

I use this soup mix in lots of recipes. I've included some of my family's favorites.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Brown 1 pound ground beef. Add 5 tablespoons Beefy Minced Onion Soup Mix, 1 small can evaporated milk, 1 can cream of mushroom soup. Pour into oven-proof dish and top with frozen tater tots and shredded cheese to taste. Bake in 375 degree oven until heated through and tater tots are done.

Seasoned Roasted Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes) cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Toss potatoes with oil, in a large bowl. Then add 4 or 5 tablespoons of soup mix and stir to coat all the potatoes. Pour into shallow baking dish. Bake at 450 degrees for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Chicken and Rice

Put 1 cup regular rice in roaster pan. Sprinkle with 5 tablespoons of onion soup mix. Cut up 1 stick oleo and put on top. Pour 3 cups of water over all. Place 1 cut up fryer, or 6 - 8 drumsticks on top. Cover and cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off oven and leave pan in oven for 1 hour. Delicious and easy!

Of course, this mix works in any recipe that the store- bought mix works in! And for lots less dough!

--Potatoes are not fattening, unless you exceed the spud limit!

About The Author: Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".