Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I have to post this recipe because I love it so much that I have to share. I used to work at The Saint Cloud Hospital in their Communications Department back in the day. Whenever this soup was on the menu, the whole hospital turned up in the lunch room. It is sooooo good!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup
from The Saint Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN

32 oz. chicken broth
2 c. water
1/2 c uncooked wild rice (Uncle Ben's Wild Rice blend is ok)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped parsley (optional, or 2 TBSP dried parsley)
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
2 c. whole milk
1 1/2 c. cubed cooked chicken
8 slices crisp bacon, chopped
2 TBSP dry sherry (optional, but good)

In stock pot combine broth and water. Add rice, onion, celery and parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 35-40 minutes, until rice is tender. (Note: you can do this in the crockpot--it will take about 3 hours on high for the rice to get done)

In medium sauce pan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, poultry seasoning and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook until slightly thickened. Slowly add this to the rice mixture, stirring constantly. Add remaining ingredients and heat through, taking care not to boil. Makes eight 1 1/2 cup servings.