ONION AND GARLIC STORAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Melt the stick of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the wine has evaporated and the onions are dry, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Dust the onions with the flour and give them a stir. Turn the heat down to medium low so the flour doesn't burn, and cook for 10 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Now add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• When you're ready to eat, preheat the broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the slices with the Gruyere and broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.
• Alternative method: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with 2 slices of bread and top with cheese. Put the bowls into the oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.

Steps:

• Heat the butter and olive oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until soft and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in the vinegar and simmer until the mixture is dry. Add the hot sauce if using. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow the onions to cool slightly.
• Mix the cream cheese until smooth in a large bowl. Fold in the sour cream and caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chives if using. Can be eaten warm or transferred to the refrigerator to be eaten cold.