preheat oven to 350°

grate potatoes in large mixing bowl

on low heat, melt: sour cream, half stick of butter, cream of mushroom, and grated cheese

pour mixture over potatoes in mixing bowl: stir thoroughly (add optional ingredients)

transfer to 10x14 ungreased pan

melt half stick of butter

stir in corn flake crumbs

spread corn flake mixture evenly over potato mixture in pan

bake @ 350° for 30-45 minutes or until the topping is golden