Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This is a wonderfully hearty soup.  When taking a meal in to someone who is sick or just had a baby--this is my go-to soup since my good friend brought this to me a few years ago after I had a baby and it hit the spot!

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken that has been cooked and shredded
1 box Rice a Roni Wild Rice, cooked as directed on box and set aside
1 1/2 cups carrots, diced
1 1/2 cups celery diced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour (a little rounded)
2 cans chicken broth (about 4 1/2 cups)
2 cups fat free half and half
1 1/2 cups water

Instructions:

In a large pot melt butter then whisk in flour to make a roux.  As soon as the butter and flour are combined whisk in chicken broth.  As soon as it is thick and bubbly slowly add 2 cups half and half.  Add it slowly so it won't "break" the roux.  Then add water, again slowly whisking it in.  Meanwhile, sauté carrots and celery until tender.  Then, add the rice, chicken, carrots and celery to your soup base.

Then add:
1/2 to 1 tsp salt to taste
1/2 to 1 tsp pepper to taste

Enjoy with some warm french bread!