Alton's French Onion Soup Attacked by Sandi

We just polished off a couple of bowls of this treasure inspired by the insane Alton Brown and are laying here all slothful and stuff. Ok, it wasn’t exactly “inspired” by him...it's his recipe with a couple of molestations by me. I've omitted his inclusion of apple cider as I didn't like what it did to the flavor (way too sweet) and increased the broths. The combination of gruyere and Emmenthaler cheeses works far better, in my estimation, than the commonly seen solo gruyere. And no optional splash of cognac for us -- though if you were to add it, I’m relatively sure you’d be safe from my wrath. But I think the secret here lies in the way the onions are cooked...until they submit and obey.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4  sweet onions (like Vidalias, about 3 pounds)
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  cups white wine
• 3  cups beef broth
• 3  cups chicken broth
•  bouquet garni, thyme sprigs, bay leaf and parsley tied together with kitchen string
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 -6  slices  crusty  French bread, 1 slice per serving
•  kosher salt
•  ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  emmenthaler cheese, grated coarsely
• 1⁄2 cup gruyere cheese, grated coarsely

Directions

1. Trim the ends off each onion then halve lengthwise. Remove peel and finely slice into half moon shapes.
2. Set electric skillet to 300 degrees (or large stock pot to medium-high) and add butter. Once butter has melted add a layer of onions and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat layering onions and salt until all onions are in the skillet. Do not stir until onions have sweated down for about 15 minutes.
3. After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany and reduced to approximately 2 cups. This should take roughly 30 minutes. Do not worry about burning and keep yer darn hands out of the onions! I kept eating them when they’d get all dark and tempting.
4. Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrup consistency. Add chicken and beef broths, garlic powder and bouquet garni. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven and heat broiler.
6. Cut country bread in rounds large enough to fit mouth of oven safe soup crocks. Put a thin layer of butter on each slice. Place the slices on a baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 minute. Turn over and toast unbuttered side for an additional minute or until browned.
7. Season soup mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bouquet garni and ladle soup into crocks leaving one inch to the lip. Place bread round on top of soup and top with blended Emmenthaler and gruyere grated cheeses. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, 1 to 4 minutes depending on your preference. I like mine REALLY dark and partially crispy!