I'll be making FOS here, this week. We REALLY LOVE IT. This is a recipe I have made some 30 years now. And YES you can divide in Half...JJ
JJ's French Onion Soup
10 Pounds Sweet Onions, French Cut, root to stem.
2 Stick Butter
1 Cup AP Flour
2 Boxes 12Cups, Beef Broth
2 Boxes, 12 Cups Chicken Broth
1 small pack Fresh Thyme, tied. About 16 sprigs.
1 teaspoon Fresh Grated Nutmeg
2 each large Bay leaves
2 Tablespoon Kitchen Bouquet
1/4 Cup Sherry, optional.
S & P to taste
CHEF'S secret...2 Tablespoons Maggi Liquid Seasoning...Don't tell.
Caramelize the Onions in Butter, over medium heat, stirring frequently. Do Not use a Non-stick pan!
As a Brown Fonde forms in the pan, add 1/2 Cup Broth to deglaze. Continue cooking, developing Fonde and deglazing until Onions are a Milk Chocolate Brown and Broth is evaporated. Takes about 45 minutes.
Add the 1 Cup of Flour an stir well to make a Roux..
Deglaze once more, 2 Cups Broth and add Onions and remaining ingredients to a 12 Quart Stock Pot.
Bring to a Boil, Reduce to Simmer and cook 1 hour.
Add S & P to taste.
Make Up...
Assemble 16oz Crocks or Heat Proof Bowls.
Slice a French Baguette into 1 1/2" Slices and Toast until golden, Butter if desired.
Slice 1 Pound packages of Mozzarella Cheese into 1/4 -3/8" Slabs across the face. Around 3-4 ounces each (Yes we like A LOT of Cheese!
).
Equally Thick slices of Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Swiss or Provolone all work or Coarse Grate the Cheeses and Blend different types.
Fill Crocks to 1/2" below the rim, about 14 ounces. Top with 1-2 Slices of Bread an cover with 4 ounces of Cheese.
Broil until Cheese is Melted and Browned, Serve on small plates.
Makes about 16 servings...Freezes well!