Wild rice, chicken and almond soup

Chicken second courses

Soup is the perfect vehicle for those of us who cook without a net; it's a great place to improvise. This particular soup's richness comes from whole milk, chicken stock and a little bit of sharp cheddar instead of heavy cream. The almonds add a surprising crunch and enhance the nuttiness of the wild rice. Sautéing the chicken with ah herb-spice crust also boosts the flavor of the soup, but you can certainly use leftover roast chicken to save time.