French Onion Soup

It's that time of year, again, when our cravings for comfort food take over. With record low temperatures just about everywhere throughout the country, it's natural that one of the objects of those cravings is soup. French onion soup is one of the most popular soups ordered in restaurants, yet it is one of most simple to prepare. This classic French dish consists of sweet caramelized onions and beef stock, topped with toasted French bread and melted Gruyere cheese. The contrast of the sweet onions with the sharp cheese gives this soup its complexity and the stock provides the rich flavor. Even the most challenged cook among us will look like a rock star with this one. And you won't break the bank making it!

French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

4 ounces clarified butter or canola oil

1-1/2 pounds vidalia onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 ounces white wine

1 tablespoon thyme leaves, fresh

2 bay leaves

1 quart beef stock

1-1/2 quart chicken stock

french bread, sliced and , toasted

Gruyere cheese, grated

Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation:

Heat butter or oil in a medium stockpot. Saute onions until caramelized (about 30 minutes). Add garlic and cook additional 10 minutes. Add wine and simmer until alcohol evaporates. Add thyme, bay leaves and stock. Simmer for one hour. Remove bay leaves.

Pour soup into individual soup crocks/bowls and top with toasted bread slices and cheese. Brown under broiler until cheese is melted.