French Onion Soup (Soupe A L'oignon Au Fromage)

Directions

1. Heat the butter in a soup pot over moderate heat. Add in the onions and cook, stirring frequently, till caramelized, about 40 min.
2. Add in the garlic and cook, stirring, till fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the pot from the heat and add in the brandy. Return the pot to the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, till almost dry. Sprinkle the onions with the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 min. While stirring, slowly add in the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, with the cover slightly ajar, about 20 min. Season the soup with salt and pepper.
3. Arrange a rack about 4 inches from the broiler and preheat.
4. Arrange 6 ovenproof crocks or possibly deep soup bowls on a baking sheet and ladle the warm soup into them. Arrange 2 slices of toasted bread on top of each soup and sprinkle with the cheese.
5. Broil the soups till the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately.
6. This recipe yields 6 servings.