whitney's chicken & wild rice soup...

It has been snowing here for the last few days & all I have been craving is this soup & a warm fire!  Today I granted half of my wish & made soup for lunch.  I got this recipe from my niece, it's hearty & delicious, but best of all easy!  I hope it warms your loved ones up as well at it does mine.

{pic from google images}

1 box Uncle Ben's long grain & wild rice

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded or diced

3 carrots, chopped

3 stalks of celery, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 stick butter

1 cup flour

8 cups hot water

3 heaping tablespoons chicken better than bullion

1 cup heavy cream

salt & pepper to taste

In a small pan, cook rice as directed.  Set aside.   In a large pot melt butter & add all veggies.  Season with salt & pepper.  Cook on medium/high for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.   Add flour to veggies & mix.  Continue to cook while stirring until golden brown.  Watch carefully so your flour doesn't burn.  Slowely stir in water & add bullion.  Bring to a boil & cook 1 minute to thicken.  Add chicken, cooked rice & cream.  Heat back up to just under a boil.

Enjoy~