Carmelized Onion Soup

We took a weekend off from experimenting with casserole recipes for the contest this summer and tried a couple new recipes.  Tim made our tried and true Buttermilk Garlic marinated chicken along with onion soup and a new chick pea salad which were both delicious.

CARAMELIZED ONION SOUP
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 to 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 9 cups)
1 teaspoon sugar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 sprigs thyme
1 dried bay leaf
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sherry, white wine, or brandy
4 cups beef broth
toasted stale rustic bread
1 garlic clove, peeled
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup grated jack cheese

1. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high.  Add onions, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, thyme, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently to scrape up any browned bits, until onions are deep golden brown and have a jam-like consistency, about 1 hour.  If onions begin to stick, reduce heat and stir in 1 tablespoon water.

2. Discard herbs, Reserve 1/2 cup onions ( leaving 1 3/4 cups in pot).  Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, flour, and sherry and cook until butter is melted, 30 seconds.  Add broth, increase heat, and simmer 15 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Rub bread with garlic, then place in bowls and ladle soup on top.  Grate and sprinkle cheese on top.  Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with parsley.