French Onion Soup

French onion soup is one of my favorite soups. It's comforting, rich and perfect for a rainy day. I serve this with a green salad...it's always a big hit with my whole family.

• 8 cups of thinly sliced sweet yellow onions (3-4 large onions)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

Heat olive oil & butter in a dutch oven pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute until caramelized & tender - about 45 minutes. Stir frequently. As soon as the onions are caramelized add the minced garlic & stir for about 30-45 seconds.

• 8 cups of beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Add the above ingredients to the onions, simmer over medium low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Taste & re-season if needed. I was going to add a half a cup of white wine but once I tasted the soup I decided I liked it the way it was. It was full of flavor and perfect.

• Baguette slices, toasted (1 or 2 per bowl)
• 2 cups of Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese, shredded

Divide the soup among 4 ovenproof bowls. Arrange toasted baguette slices on top of soup and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place bowls on a cookie sheet lined with tin foil and place under a pre-heated broiler; cook until cheese melts and forms a crust over the tops of the bowls. Serve immediately. Enjoy.

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