Name: French Onion Soup Gratinee
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 oz butter (1 stick) or olive oil; 4 large red onions, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick pieces, cut those in half crosswise; 2 large yellow onions, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick pieces, cut those in half crosswise; 4 leeks, dark greens discarded, remaining rinsed well to remove grit* and sliced into rings; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced, optional; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, or to taste; 1 cup dry vermouth or white wine; Kitchen twine; 1 bay leaf; 8 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves; 8 cups (2 quarts) good quality beef stock, preferably homemade, or chicken stock; 1 tsp beef or veal demi glace; Loaf of French bread or baguette, sliced (see comments below); Shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, about 12 to 16 oz