1 c. finely chopped onions
1 c. sliced carrots
3/4 c. sliced celery
1/4 c. butter
3 c. milk
2 c. half & half
1 c. mashed potato flakes
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2-3 drops hot pepper sauce
Chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheese or croutons, if desired

Cook onions, carrots and celery in butter for 5 minutes or until crisp tender. Add milk and half & half; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in potato flakes, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese or croutons. Serve immediately. Makes 4 (1 1/2 cup) servings.