Wisconsin Herb Blend Wild Rice Soup
Serve this standout side-dish soup as an elegant first course for a dinner party. Or, team it with your favorite sandwich for a light supper.

1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. butter
2/3 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
3 cups water
2 Tbsp. Wisconsin Herb Blend (see recipe below)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3-1/2 cups milk

In a large saucepan, cook and stir the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in the hot butter until tender. Stir in the wild rice. Add the water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 40 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Stir in the Wisconsin Herb Blend, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until wild rice is tender.

Makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings.

Wisconsin Herb Blend

Start to finish: 5 min.

4 tsp. dried minced onion
2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
2 tsp. dried lemon balm or dried thyme, crushed
2 tsp. dried parsley, crushed
2 tsp. dried minced garlic
1 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
1 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container. Cover and store at room temperature. Makes about 1/4 cup.

AUTHOR: Lori A