Aloun Farms Sweet Onion Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 extra large Aloun Farms sweet onions
• 1/3 cup dry sherry (or 1/4 cup brandy)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 pieces small baguette, cut 1/2-inch thick
• 8 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese (about 2 1/2 cups)

Preparation:

1. Remove center part of the onion and keep about three outside layers. Keep onion whole as it will be used as a bowl later. Slice the interior of the onion into small pieces.
2. Place butter in pot, add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the onions start to caramelize, then deglaze with dry cherry or brandy. Keep cooking on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add a cup of beef stock and cook until the broth evaporates. Add another cup of beef broth and cook for another 10 minutes. At this point the onion should have a dark brown color.
3. Stir in the remaining 4 cups of beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf, scraping up any final bits of browned crust on bottom and sides of pot.
4. Increase heat to high and bring to simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove and discard herbs, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Preheat the oven to broil, fill the onion soup into the onion (or any bakeable bowl), then top with a piece of baguette and top with cheese. Place in oven for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.