"What makes this "Vermont" onion soup? We took classic French onion soup and replaced the melted Gruyere topping with good sharp cheddar...."
INGREDIENTS
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5 tablespoons salted butter
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8 medium-size (6 large) red onions, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
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5 medium-size cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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4 sprigs fresh thyme
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3 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
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3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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1-1/2 cups medium-bodied red wine, such as Marquette, Merlot, or Syrah (Shiraz)
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2 quarts (8 cups) beef stock
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20-24 slices crusty white bread
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1 pound aged Cheddar, shredded