Onion Soup with Fontina and Thyme

Cravings.  No one can really explain them.  Everyone seems to joke about them.  But we all know, when we get hit with a craving, nothing, NOTHING, will make it go away until you simply have it.  I was so craving French Onion Soup.  It is a standard order for me when I see it on a menu.  Most onion soup recipes are fairly similar.  This recipe is so simple, that I was afraid it would taste like beef broth and onions.  however, the combination and the method is remarkable.  I would almost say complex; definitely gourmet.  Credit for this delightful soup goes to Giada De Laurentiis.

Onion Soup with Fontina and Thyme

2 T. olive oil
2 large sweet Vidalia onions
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
4 c. beef broth
4 slices of ciabatta or Italian bread
4 oz. sliced Fontina cheese

Slice the onions.

Heat the oil in a heavy bottom saucepan.
Add the onions, salt and pepper.

Slowly cook the onions down until tender. Stir occasionally.

Add the broth ad thyme and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 25 minutes uncovered.

Ladle the soup into ovenproof ramekins.

Top with the bread cubes.

Add the cheese slices.

Heat under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Yup, I dare you to eat onion soup once in your life.  It is something I guarantee you will at some point CRAVE more of the gooey cheese, the sweet onions and the bite of the black pepper!