French Onion Soup with Cider

• 1 fondue Chic! au cidre (cider) by 1001 Fondues, 350 g (12 oz.), cut into strips
• 45 mL (3 tbsp.) butter
• 8 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 30 mL (2 tbsp.) maple sugar or brown sugar
• 300 mL (1 ¼ cups) cider
• 300 mL (1 ¼ cups) apple juice
• 5 litres (6 cups) chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 12 bread croutons, toasted in the oven
• Salt and pepper

1. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic and sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
2. Add cider and apple juice. Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, ground nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer gently, covered, for about 45 minutes (can be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2-3 hours). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Place oven rack in centre, and preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
6. Place soup bowls on a baking sheet. Divide the onion soup between the bowls, adding 3 croutons to each bowl.
7. Spread cheese fondue over croutons.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown. If necessary, finish browning under the grill. Make sure fondue temperature is at least 75 °C (167 °F).

French onion soup is a favourite among people all over the world, and for good reason: it’s versatile, inexpensive, country-style and nourishing … and above all, it’s easy as ABC! This Quebec cider version is no exception, but you’ll be cooking it with originality, style and boldness. Enjoy it as a starter or main course! It’s easy to freeze! Warm your heart and fill your stomach!