Sarasota's Minnesota Turkey, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup

Soup Base -- In a large pot, melt the butter and add the leeks, onions, celery, fennel and garlic and cook on medium heat until slightly translucent and soft. About 5 minutes.

Rice -- Add the rice right to the vegetable mixture and stir until well combined - then add the broth (start with 5 cups; you can always add more as the rice cooks), thyme, rosemary, worcestershire and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low heat (simmer) approximately 30 minutes until the rice is somewhat tender. Once again, taste for seasoning (salt and pepper) and add more broth if necessary. It depends on how thin or thick you like your soup. The soup still has a bit more time to cook which will allow the rice to finish cooking.

Mushrooms -- At this point, add the sherry wine and mushrooms and continue to cook another 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the mushrooms are soft.

Finish -- Everything is done - Now to finish off the soup. First, add in the turkey or chicken; and add the heavy cream to the soup. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a light boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Stir and add in any additional seasoning if necessary and the fresh parsley.

Serve -- My favorite way to serve this is with a toasted baguette with melted gruyere cheese. Now, if you happen to have truffle oil -- drizzle a little on top, it is heaven. Can't get much better than that! ENJOY!