Guinness and Onion Soup with Irish Cheddar Croutons (Luck o' the Irish- Year One: Volume 12; March, 2011)

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ready in: 1 hour
Serves: 6

Ingredients:
2 T. olive oil
5 cloves garlic- minced
8 c. onions- thinly sliced
Gray salt
1 T. fresh thyme leaves- chopped
1/4 c. sherry vinegar
1 1/2 c. Guinness (or other stout beer)
6 c. beef stock
6 slices country bread- cut 1/2" thick, toasted
1/2 lb. Irish cheddar- sliced thin

Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat
- Add garlic and cook briefly to release aroma
- Add onions, season with salt and cook for about 5 min, stirring often
- Reduce heat to low and cook until the onions are golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 15 min
- Add thyme, vinegar, and beer
- Reduce beer by half and add beef stock
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 min
- Preheat broiler
- Transfer soup to an oven safe serving dish or individual oven safe soup bowls
- Top with toasted bread slices and sliced Cheddar
- Broil until cheese melts and starts to brown slightly
- Serve piping hot


*Julie found recipe here