The key to a good French onion soup is caramelizing the onion, do it properly and you can sure the end result is going to be delicious.

Classic French Onion Soup

4 tablespoons butter
6 onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1. In a large kettle, melt butter over medium-low heat and cook onion, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, about 30 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
2. Add beef broth slowly to onion mixture, stirring constantly until mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Place toast in individual oven-safe soup bowls. Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese over the slices of toast. Pour soup into each bowl and top with remaining cheese.
5. Place the bowls under broiler about 4 inches from the heat for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.