CREAMY CHICKEN GUMBO

Steps:

• Cook the white rice according to package directions, but remove from heat about 15 minutes before it's done.
• Drain the excess liquid, and set aside.
• In a stock pot over high heat, combine the chicken and the fresh or canned chicken stock.
• Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low.
• Simmer for 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and tender.
• Remove chicken from the pot, and allow it to cool.
• Reserve liquid stock from pot for later.
• When chicken is cool, remove the meat from the bones, cut into bite size pieces, and reserve.
• Discard the fat and the bones.
• In the same stock pot over medium heat, saute the celery and onion in the a tablespoon of butter for 5 minutes.
• Add the ham, and cover.
• Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender.
• Return the liquid stock in the stock pot, and add the partially cooked white rice.
• Stir in the Tabasco, white pepper and any creole seasoned salt; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the rest of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour until smooth.
• Whisk in the milk, and continue cooking until mixture is bubbly and thick.
• Add some of the stock mixture to the milk mixture, continuing to stir, then stir all of the milk mixture into the stock mixture.
• Mix in the reserved chicken meat and the white wine.
• Allow this to heat through for about 15 minutes.