Back in the day people canned the juices of the meat they cooked just for this reason .
Directions
2 tablespoons butter, cubed
2 large sweet onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef broth, undiluted I like Campbell brands beef broth they are darker and richer in taste if you do not have your own .
3 cups water3/4 cup white wine or regular-strength beef broth
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 fresh parsley sprig, optional
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
16 slices French bread (1/4 inch thick)
3/4 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Directions
Place butter in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with sweet and red onions; sprinkle with pepper. Cook, covered, on low until onions are tender, 5-6 hours.
Stir in broth, water, wine, herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, covered, on low until flavors are blended, 2-3 hours. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf.
To serve, preheat broiler. Place bread on a [baking sheet] broil 4 in. from heat until lightly toasted, 1-2 minutes per side. Top bread with cheese; broil until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Divide soup among eight bowls; top with cheese toasts and serve immediately.
TIPS FOR COOKING
Gruyere cheese is delicious in this recipe—its sweet, nutty flavor goes well with the oniony broth, and it melts wonderfully.
Toasting the bread with cheese separately, instead of broiling on top of the soup in crocks, prevents the underside of the bread from becoming soggy.