French Onion Soup

3 Tbl    Butter

3/4 tsp Thyme

2  Bay Leaves

Salt and Pepper to taste

5 Walla Walla Sweet Onions    -  or for slightly spicier soup use 3 Walla Wallas and 2-3 red or yellow onions

1 cup   Red Wine or Apple Cider ---- your choice!

6 cups Beef Stock

2 cups  Croutons

2 cups  Cheese -- your choice but we enjoy Swiss or White Cheddar

In a large pot melt butter. Add thyme and bay leaves and sliced onions with salt and pepper and sautee over medium heat to carmelize....stir frequently....this will take about 20-25 minutes to carmelize well.  Once carmelized add wine or apple cider and deglaze pot.  Add stock and any additional salt and pepper.  Bring to boil.  Ladle into oven-safe bowls with croutons (or toasted crusty whole grain bread) and cover in shrredded cheese......broil lightly to melt cheese and serve. Enjoy!