Sautè the onion in the butter in a saucepan until tender. Stir in flour and cook for several minutes. Add chicken broth gradually. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the wild rice, ham, carrot, almonds and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the half and half and sherry (if desired).
Cook just until heated through. Season with pepper.