Monday, February 28, 2011

French Onion Soup

Carmelize
1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced onion with
3 Tbsp of butter
(Be careful not to scorch the onions.)

Add 6 cups of beef broth and
1/4 tsp of pepper.

Simmer for half an hour.

In the meantime, cut bread into small cubes, bake @ 400F until crisp.

When the soup is ready, add to oven proof bowls, add bread and cover with cheese. Bake @ 275F for 5 minutes.

I prefer to use white cheddar. The Joy of Cooking cookbook suggests using a mixture of Parmesan and Gruyere cheese. It also suggests adding a dash of cognac or sherry, I suggest not adding it.

There are several places to purchase french onion soup bowls. If you live in Newfoundland, I purchased my French Onion Soup Bowls at Riff's Department Store for next to nothing...believe it or not.

Recommended Recipes for Chef Michael Smith

Blueberry Shortcake with Sour Cream Biscuits and Honeyed Cream
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Dessert/Berries/recipe.html?dishid=8669

Broccoli and Potato Soup
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Soup/Cheese/recipe.html?dishid=8038

Caesar Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Appetizer/Cheese/recipe.html?dishid=6450

Note: I use three large garlic cloves. A spoonful here means a large/soup size spoon.

Bread Machine Bread
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Side/Rice-Grain/recipe.html?dishid=8672

Butterscotch Popcorn
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Eggs-Dairy/recipe.html?dishid=7978

Cheddar Biscuits
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Cheese/recipe.html?dishid=7979
Note: I used white cheddar as I prefer it, these went really fast!

Chocolate Molten Cakes - These are the ones we're all raving about.
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Dessert/Chocolate/recipe.html?dishid=8011
Note: I made chocolate and caramel sauces for this and homemade cream instead of the coffee cream. If you wish to have those recipes let me know.

Country Inn Pancakes
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Side/Berries/recipe.html?dishid=6445
Note: These are so good, especially with the blueberries, however, the amount of butter makes them quite unhealthy. Btw, 8 ounces of butter is one cup.

Frozen Butter Biscuits
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Eggs-Dairy/recipe.html?dishid=6419

Honey Roast Turkey
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Main/Poultry/recipe.html?dishid=6900
Note: Instead of honey you can use brown sugar. I used sea salt. I have to say, it had the best taste and was the most moist turkey I've cooked so far.

Little Vanilla Cakes
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Dessert/Chocolate/recipe.html?dishid=8019
Note: These won't last long especially if you pair them with strawberries. They are amazing!

Roast Chicken with Apples and Rosemary
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Main/Chicken/recipe.html?dishid=8630
Note: I use Mott's Hot Spiced Cider - Red Delicious Flavour and mix it with one cup of water....I add the whole cup to the recipe.

Tomato Onion Tart
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Appetizer/Cheese/recipe.html?dishid=8611
Note: This is really good when you pair it with the Ceasar Salad Recipe above.