FRENCH ONION SOUP CROCKS RECIPES

Steps:

• Trim the ends off each onion then halve lengthwise. Remove peel and finely slice into half-moon shapes. Set electric skillet to 300 degrees and add butter. Once butter has melted add a layer of onions and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat layering onions and salt until all onions are in the skillet. Do not try stirring until onions have sweated down for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany and reduced to approximately 2 cups. This should take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Do not worry about burning. 
• Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrup consistency. Add consomme, chicken broth, apple cider and bouquet garni. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. 
• Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven and heat broiler. 
• Cut country bread in rounds large enough to fit mouth of oven safe soup crocks. Place the slices on a baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 minute. 
• Season soup mixture with salt, pepper and cognac. Remove bouquet garni and ladle soup into crocks leaving one inch to the lip. Place bread round, toasted side down, on top of soup and top with grated cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.

Steps:

• Add butter and oil to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTÉ function.
• When butter is melted, add onion, brown sugar, thyme, garlic and bay leaf to the pot.
• Cook and stir for 10-15 minutes until onions have cooked down by half and have a pasta-like consistency.
• Add brandy to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Continue to cook and stir until alcohol has cooked off, then add red wine and warmed broth to the pot and stir.
• Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL , then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 8 minutes.
• When the time is up, quick-release the remaining pressure. Remove and discard thyme stems and bay leaf. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle the soup into crocks, place a slice of bread on each crock and a slice of cheese on each piece of bread. Sprinkle with paprika.
• Put crocks on a baking sheet lined with foil and set under the broiler until the top begins to bubble and brown, 5-7 minutes.