French Onion Soup

French onion soup is always a hit with its intense caramelized onion flavor, topped with slices of toasted French bread and melted cheese.

Recipe Ingredients:

6 medium onions, halved
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine or sherry
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 (1-inch) slices French bread
4 ounces chilled mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Slice onions.
2. Heat butter in saucepan and stir in onions. Caramelize, uncovered, on low heat for 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring often. Stir in sugar and flour and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Prepare a large saucepan with the broth, wine, bay leaf, basil, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, covered. Add the onion mixture to the broth mixture and stir.
4. Dry bread in oven at 325°F (160°C) (160°C) for about 20 minutes.
5. Shred mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Pour soup into individual oven-proof bowls. Top each with bread slice. Sprinkle with variety of cheeses.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) (180°C) about 15 minutes, then lightly broil to brown cheese. Serve.

Makes 12 servings.