**French Onion Soup**

 Ingredients:

– **Unsalted butter**: 4 tablespoons
– **Olive oil**: 2 tablespoons
– **Yellow onions**: 6 large, thinly sliced
– **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced
– **Sugar**: 1 teaspoon (optional, to help caramelize the onions)
– **Salt**: 1 teaspoon
– **Dry white wine**: 1/2 cup (optional)
– **Beef broth**: 8 cups (2 liters)
– **Bay leaf**: 1
– **Fresh thyme**: 3-4 sprigs, plus extra for garnish
– **Baguette**: 1, sliced and toasted
– **Gruyère cheese**: 2 cups, grated (you can also use Emmental or Swiss cheese)

 Instructions:

1. **Caramelize the Onions:**
– In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Be patient, as this step is key to developing the rich flavor of the soup.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. **Deglaze the Pot:**
– If using, add the white wine to the pot and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.

3. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
– Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. **Prepare the Toppings:**
– While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Slice the baguette and toast the slices in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

5. **Assemble and Broil:**
– Preheat the broiler on your oven.
– Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place 1-2 toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in each bowl, and generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top.
– Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

6. **Serve:**
– Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be very hot!). Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

This **French Onion Soup** is a comforting dish perfect for cold weather or as a hearty starter. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted cheese is sure to impress. Enjoy! If you have more recipe requests or questions, feel free to ask.