Comforting Soup For Cold Spring Nights

It's not quite spring yet though some days are warm and sunny with flowers poking up and other days are gloomy and a bitter wind whips through your hair.  If you are tired of the same old food, try this easy soup to warm up.  It has a pleasant texture and mild taste

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
1 package long grain and wild rice mix
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
1 1/4 cups chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 cans chicken broth
1/2 tsp. tarragon
1/4 tsp. thyme
dash of pepper
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk

Prepare rice according to package directions omitting butter.  Meanwhile, in a large saucepan saute chicken, mushrooms, onions and garlic in oil until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
Add the prepared rice, broth and spices and bring to a boil.  Combine cornstarch and evaporated milk until smooth and stir into soup.  Return soup to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

 You can find reduced fat or no fat evaporated milk to cut the fat content of this soup.  Serve with a nice whole grain bread and a salad to get in those servings of vegetables.

I'm happy to report that after the turmoil of the last few weeks, my husband is making an effort to get back on track with his exercise.  He did his weight workout yesterday and should make it again on Friday.  I believe that unless you do some sort of manual labor you really need to add weights to your workout routine.  Keeping those muscles toned and fit not only makes you look better, but it increases the amount of  calories you burn daily.  Also, fit people are less prone to accidents.

This weekend women can attend the Women's Health Conference at the Southwest Church of Christ starting at 8 a.m.  There will be several free health screenings plus several informational sessions to attend.  This health fair is sponsored in part by Cardiology Associates.  It's a great opportunity to check on the status of your health.