soup for the WIN — Les Petites Gourmettes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed under cold running water
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup peeled and chopped carrot
• 1 cup peeled and chopped onion
• 5 peeled and minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 heaping tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Aidells habanero and pepper Jack cheese chicken sausages, sliced (optional)