Classy, Mouth Watering French Onion Soup

KitchenManiac's Note:

This is a simple French Onion Soup. On cold cold days, stir in a teaspoon of brandy into the soup before grilling. From Jill Dupleix's "New Food".

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 480 g onions , peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic , peeled and finely chopped
• 3 sprigs thyme , leaves stripped
• 30 g butter
• 500 ml white wine
• 1 liter chicken stock or 1 liter vegetable stock
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 slices baguette , cut 1 inch thick
• 120 g gruyere , grated (3/4 cup)
• 4 teaspoons brandy (optional)

Directions:

1. Add onions, garlic, thyme, wine and butter into heavy pan and cook uncovered for 40 minutes on LOW heat.
2. Cook till onions are soft and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Preheat the grill.
4. Divide onions among four warmed bowls and pour on boiling stock.
5. Place a round of bread on each soup and sprinkle with grated cheese.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and serve while still very hot and bubbling.