French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

2 large yellow sweet onions, halved and sliced
2 large red onions, halved and sliced
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup dry white wine
1 ounce cognac
1 bay leaf
4 sprigs thyme
4 slices bread
4 ounces gruyere or swiss cheese
1 ounce parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Step 1:

Peel and half the onions, then slice.

Step 2:

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add all of the onions, alternating with the remaining butter and a pinch of salt so the onions release their moisture.

Step 3:

Cover and cook the onions until they are well caramelized and reduced considerably. This will take about an hour. Stir occasionally.

Step 4:

Once onions have reduced, stir in white wine and cognac and raise heat enough to bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf and thyme and reduce to a simmer.

Step 5:

Meanwhile, cut circles out of the bread, tracing around an ovenproof bowl or dish that you will bake the soup in.

Step 6:

Place the bread circles on a baking sheet and toast them directly under the oven broiler.

Step 7:

Grate the cheese!

Step 8:

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and divide the onion soup into bowls, top with a bread circle and a portion of the cheese. Put the bowls on the baking sheet and set under the broiler just until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.