Soupe A Loignon Francaise Classique
["3 T. butter", "4 large onions, thinly sliced", "1 t. granulated sugar", "5 c. beef stock, homemade or canned", "3 sprigs fresh thyme or pinch of dried thyme", "3 parsley sprigs", "2 T. brandy, optional", "1/2 t. salt or to taste", "1/2 t. pepper", "4 slices day-old french bread, toasted", "3/4 c. grated Gruyere cheese"]
["Melt butter in a large, deep pot over medium heat.", "Add onions and sugar, stirring to coat with butter.", "Cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown; do not burn.", "Stir in stock and bring to a boil.", "Reduce heat to a simmer and add thyme, parsley, brandy, salt, and pepper.", "Simmer 20 minutes.", "Remove herb sprigs.", "Soup may be prepared up to 2 days in advanced."]
["butter", "onions", "sugar", "beef stock", "thyme", "parsley", "brandy", "salt", "pepper", "bread", "Gruyere cheese"]