Caramelized Onion Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 lb. white onions, coarsely chopped
1 lb. red onions, coarsely chopped
1 lb. leeks (white and pale green parts only), coarsely chopped
3 large shallots, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves
1 large bay leaf
1/2 tsp. dried sage
pinch of dried thyme, crumbled
2 c. Madeira
8 c. chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
1 c. whipping cream
crumbled Stilton cheese or other Blue cheese

Preparation

Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
Add all onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, bay leaf, sage and thyme.
Cook until onions turn deep golden brown, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes.
Add Madeira and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits.
Boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture is reduced to 8 cups, about 2 hours.