Italian Mix

3 tablespoons tomato powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon basil, crumbled
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped, dried mushrooms

This makes one package of mix that will flavor one pound ground beef.

To use, add one cup of water or tomato juice to the meat and stir in the mix until it thickens. Cook for one minute.

To make spaghetti, combine 1 pound browned, drained ground beef, 2 cups tomato juice and 2 packages of Italian Mix. Cook as directed. Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.

To make lasagna, combine 1 pound browned, drained ground beef, 2 cups tomato juice and 2 packages of Italian Mix. Cook as directed. Alternate layers of cooked lasagna noodles, sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, sauce, shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese and a sprinkling of Romano cheese in an 11 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake until bubbly at 325 degrees F.

Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 to 6.