French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

* Some butter
* 3 tablespoons oil
* 5 large onions, peeled and sliced thinly
* Splash of water
* Salt

The Soup
* 3 sprigs fresh thyme
* 6 cups Chicken Broth
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices slices multi-grain bread, cut into rounds to fit bowls, toasted
* 2 cups Swiss, Gruyere or emmenthal cheese, grated

From Michael Smith:
The Soup

1. When the onions are a deep golden colour and have shrunk dramatically, add the brandy, thyme and broth.
2. Season with salt and pepper and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven's broiler. Ladle the soup into 4 onion soup or ovenproof bowls and fit a slice of toast over each bowl.
4. Sprinkle each evenly with the cheese and place bowls onto a baking sheet.
5. Place under the broiler and broil until the soup is bubbling and the tops are golden brown.