Potato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 qt. water
3 to 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 small carrot, grated (optional, for color)
1 can evaporated milk*
2 Tbsp. nondairy creamer
1/2 stick margarine
1/2 c. (plus) instant mashed potatoes or 3 Tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp. water to make a thin paste (to thicken soup)
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

*May substitute with 1 cup powdered milk and 2 tablespoons nondairy creamer dissolved in 1 cup water.