Nothing beats a bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day. For the ultimate in warming comfort food this winter, cook a pot of Chicken Wild Rice Soup that will not only warm your body but will feed your soul.

Serves 8.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 pound fresh sliced mushrooms
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 2 cups half-and-half

Directions:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for five minutes. Add the mushrooms and sauté for two more minutes. Next, add the flour and stir well. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, until all of the broth is added. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.

Next, add the rice, chicken, salt, curry powder, mustard powder, parsley, ground black pepper, almonds, and sherry. Allow to heat through, then slowly pour in the half-and-half. Simmer on low for one to two hours. Don't boil the soup, or the roux will break.

Serve with fresh French or sourdough bread, soft butter, and a small green salad for a satisfying meal that will comfort your body and soul.

Source: Allrecipes