>instant mashed potatoes Awe! Instant mashed potatoes make a great thickener for soups and stews. Unlike a roux, it's really quck to just pour some out the box and stir, and unlike corn starch, it doesn't become a gelatinous mess when it cools. But, I guess you just have to use the term "potato flakes" in that use.. Chad Gard, CTS KB9WXQ INCHASE: http://www.inchase.org Co-founder SCOA: http://www.stormchasersofamerica.org Member #3 INSWA: http://www.insw.org Unit #21