Well, it appears here in Western Washington that we are in for more rain. I just read that May has been the wettest and coldest it’s been in decades. And I believe it! I still haven’t filled my decorative pots with annuals or replaced some of my perennials that for whatever reason died an unseemly death this past winter. I will especially miss my big beautiful hearty fuchsia that bloomed continuously from early spring to late fall and greeted everyone as they started up the stairs that led to our front door.

Although I know I can buy a new hearty fuchsia plant, it will take years for it to grow to the same size as the one we lost. And it was just a plant. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be a parent of one of the hundreds of children who have died from senseless gun violence. I am truly beginning to mourn not only for all the people who have been killed or left behind to grieve, but for the possible death of our great nation.

Who in their right mind would choose the perceived right of an 18-year-old to own an assault rifle over the life of even one person? Why does a private individual, regardless of their age even need an assault rifle? When are we as a nation going to realize that words and sympathies expressed are not enough! What we need is action. We need politicians who aren’t beholding to the NRA and other wealthy, greedy contributors. Only by voting some of our current leaders out of office are we going to see any changes. And not just in gun control, but in the continuation of women’s reproductive rights, the reality of climate change, our hope of sometime soon realizing racial justice, etc. etc.

I don’t want anyone to experience the future it looks like we are heading into. Please do all you can to give our nation a future that we can all be proud of. Vote, think for yourself, and speak your mind. It’s hard to do and can leave you vulnerable to possible derision. But, if you are speaking from your soul and have other people’s best interest at heart, intelligent individuals will understand, regardless of whether they agree or not. And maybe, just maybe, they will think about what you have said.

Now, as far as this recipe goes, well, it’s easy to build, pretty darn healthy, and tastes really, really good. And yes, even if it is the end of May, a nice hot soup is still perfect for lunch or dinner. And thank you gimmesomeoven.com for the bones of this recipe.

As always, peace and love to all.

4 T. butter, divided  

¾ – 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite sized pieces

½ tsp. seasoned salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 sm. onion, diced

2 med. carrots, diced

3 celery stalks (plus leaves), thinly sliced

6 cloves garlic, finely minced (yes 6)

¼ c. unbleached all-purpose flour

5 c. water

1 T. chicken base (I use Better Than Bouillon Chicken) 

1 c. uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained

1 T. finely chopped fresh rosemary

2 bay leaves

½ c. milk 

1 lg. handful fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Sauté just until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the flour and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Gradually pour in the water, stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Stir in the chicken base, wild rice, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 60 minutes or until the wild rice is tender. Stir frequently.   

Just before serving, stir in the cooked chicken, milk, and baby spinach. Bring back just to a boil. Taste and adjust seasoning.