Buddy's French Onion Soup

Buddy's French Onion Soup
Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours
Ingredients:

8 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dry sherry
8 cups chicken stock
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
12 thin slices baguette
1/2 pound Gruyere, grated
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Directions:

In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt butter and add onions, bay leaf and 2 teaspoons of salt. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally for 1- 1 1/2 hours, until the onions have softened completely and are a pale golden brown.
Add the sherry and simmer, uncovered for a few minutes. Add the chicken stock and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, taste for salt and pepper,
Preheat a broiler. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Toast bread until golden brown.
Fill ovenproof bowls 3/4 of the way with the onion soup, float 2 toasts in each bowl and top with grated Gruyere and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Place the crocks under the broiler until cheese is melted, brown and bubbly.