French Onion Soup

 2 Tbsp olive oil plus more to brush toasts

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 lbs 6 large yellow onion, halved, peeled and thinly sliced with the grain

1/2 tsp granulated sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup sherry vinegar

8 cups beef stock or broth

1 bay leaf

3 sprigs fresh thyme plus more to garnish (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme) 

1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

12 slices baguette, 8 oz Gruyere cheese (1 1/2 cups) shredded, divided

How to Make French Onion Soup:

1.  Cut onions in half, cut off the ends, then peel and slice onions thinly (cut parallel with the grain of the onion).

2.  In a large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter.  Add sliced onions and saute uncovered, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.

3.  Sprinkle the onions with 1/2 tsp sugar whisk will help the onions caramelize faster.  Saute uncovered for another 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are caramelized and browned. Stir more frequently towards the end to prevent scorching or burning the onions.

4.  Once onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and saute another minute.

5.  Add 1/2 cup sherry vinegar and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom.  Continue stirring until all of the vinegar has cooked out (about 3 minutes over medium heat).

6.  Add 8 cups beef stock, 1 bay leaf, thyme and 1 tsp salt.  Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.  Add another 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or season to taste then remove from heat.

How to Make Crouton Topping:

1.  While soup is finishing up, preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Slice baguette to 1/2 inch thick slices.  Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until golden brown at the edges.

2.  Once soup is ready to serve, top breads with half of the cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden in spots.

3. Pour soup into warm bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese over the hot soup.  Top with hot cheesy toasts then serve.