Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 onion
2 carrots
3 celery sticks
1/2 c. butter
2/3 c. flour
6 c. water
1 Tbsp. McCormick chicken base or 4 bouillon cubes
2 pkgs. Rice-A-Roni long grain and wild rice
2 to 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (I usually boil and shred my chicken)
2 c. half & half
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Directions:
Chop vegetables and place in large soup pot. Melt butter and saute vegetables until tender. Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated. Slowly add water; stir vigorously until flour dissolves. Prepare Rice-A-Roni as directed on box, then add to the soup. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low until well blended.

Amie Hancock