Slowly caramelized onions and shallots contribute to the incredible rich flavor of the broth in this artisan soup, and the deep-fried fontina and asiago cheese croquettes add an appealing crunch. Recipe by Chef Guillermo Pernot.

Caramelized Onion Soup Broth with Croquettes of Fontina and Asiago Cheeses

8 Spanish onions (about 2 pound), peeled, thinly sliced
6 shallots, peeled, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, peeled very thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
1 cup dry white wine
12 cups hearty beef broth
8 tablespoons grated Wisconsin Fontina Cheese
4 tablespoons grated Wisconsin Asiago Cheese
2 cups fine dry bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup milk
Canola oil for frying
Fresh chives

1. In large heavy soup pot, combine onions, shallots, garlic, bay leaf and thyme. Cook over medium heat to sweat onions. Cook onions slowly until they caramelize to deep chocolate brown, being careful to not burn, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally, scraping browned bits from bottom.
2. Add mustard and pepper. Cook 2 minutes.
3. Add wine and cook until wine is evaporated. Add beef broth and simmer 30 minutes to incorporate flavors. Remove bay leaf and thyme stem.
4. Strain onions from broth. Press as much broth from onions as possible; onions should be quite dry. Set broth aside and keep warm.
5. Place onions in blender or food processor and puree.
6. Transfer 1 cup of the puree to medium bowl. Add cheeses and mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour.
7. Shape mixture into 24 (1-inch) croquettes.
8. In small bowl, mix egg and milk. Bread croquettes with 2 coatings of egg/milk mixture and bread crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
9. Final Preparation: Reheat broth when ready to serve.
10. Deep fry croquettes in 350°F (175°C) oil until crispy and warm inside, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Garnish soup with fresh cut chives and float 3 cheese croquettes in each serving. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.