French Onion Soup

This soup reminds me of my teen years. It became a tradition of my family that every Sunday, we'll have lunch at Dona Nena's in Makati. I wonder if they're still operating. Anyways, here's something to warm your belly with this delicious, classic recipe for French Onion Soup!

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces fresh white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup brandy (dry sherry/brandy)
• 4 cups homemade beef stock
• 6 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary
• 1 dried bay leaf
• ground black pepper, to taste

For the cheese croutons:

• 2 slice french bread
• 2 tablespoons french gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Procedure:
1. Reheat the heavy saute pan add the butter and onion and 1 tablespoon salt.
2. Saute until golden brown then add the sherry or brandy to glaze and flavored them.
3. Stir in beef stock and water continue simmering until the onion is cooked and moist, add the thyme, bayleaf then simmer for 30 minutes.

For the cheese croutons:
1. While the soup simmering, arrange the french bread slices in layered baking sheet and bake in 400-degrees until the bread is dried, crisp and golden at edge, set aside.
2. Add the gruyere cheese and chopped parsley on top, put in oven until the cheese melts.