Onion soup

Ok I wont lie to you, this is not a soup you toss together for a quick weeknight meal.  However... after a bit of prep you can have this on the table in 20 minutes.  Caramelizing the onions takes about 45-50 minutes but it is worth the effort.  I like to do 3-4 batches of onions in a huge pot then divide and freeze.  When you are ready to make your pot of soup simply defrost the onions add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.  If you want to cook in the crock pot add caramelized onions with additional ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.  As for the toppings, that is personal taste, if you don't like the bread and cheese by all means leave it out the rich broth and onions are plenty delicious on their own.

Ingredients- (Makes 4 servings)
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 cups sliced onions - About 3 pounds
1 tsp dried thyme
3 Tbsp sherry wine
4 cups beef stock
4 slices french bread
4-8 slices Gruyere or Swiss cheese

In a large heavy pot melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.  Add in sliced onions cook until they just start to brown, about 6-8 minutes stirring often.  Once they are starting to brown reduce heat to low cover pot, continue cooking stirring every 5 minutes until onions develop a deep rich brown color.  About 40 minutes.  Add in thyme and deglaze pan with sherry.
If you are going to freeze your onions stop cooking now.  Otherwise -
Add in beef stock bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
Ladle broth and onions into oven proof bowls then top each soup with a piece of bread and 1-2 slices or cheese.  Place 2 inches under broiler until cheese melts.
Serve with a simple salad.

Enjoy!