Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

I was born in the great state of Minnesota so you know I need to represent with a Minnesota favorite- wild rice soup. This soup is easy to make, rich and hearty, and is even better as a leftover.

1 cup wild rice

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

Rinse the wild rice in cold water. Place in a sauce pan over high heat with the water and salt. Bring to a boil. Once boiling turn heat down, cover tightly, and simmer for about 50 minutes, until rice is tender.

6 tablespoons butter

1/2 onion, chopped
1 stick celery, chopped
1 cup diced ham
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded carrots
6 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups half and half

Melt butter in a saucepan. Cook the onion and celery until tender. Add the diced ham and cook for 5 minutes. Blend in flour and cook for a couple minutes. Stir in the chicken broth a little at a time. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When it comes to a boil, boil and stir for a couple minutes. Mix in the wild rice, carrots, almonds and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour in the half-and-half. Heat through for an additional 10 minutes. Do not allow to boil.

Yield: About 6 servings.