French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 6 large red or yellow onions (about 3 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, OR 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
• 8 slices (1 inch thick) French bread or baguette
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
• Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese