Wild Rice Soup

Rinse rice well; drain. Bring water to a boil; stir in wild rice and cook over med. heat 30 -40 min. or until tender. Meanwhile in large stock pan, melt butter and add potatoes, celery and onion. Saute 4-5 min. Add chicken broth and water. Cover;bring to boil and cook 15 - 20 min. or potatoes are tender. Saute bacon, pat off on paper towel. Let soup cool. Then add bacon, half and half (don’t add in hot mixture, it may curdle)and cheese and heat again on low-med. just to warm and melt cheese and serve.