1. Heat butter in a soup pot with a wide bottom over medium heat. Add bacon and sauté for 3 minutes or until bacon is cooked but not crisp. Add sliced onion, shallots and chili flakes and sauté for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onions are golden. 2. Add leeks and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes or until leeks are very soft. Add wine, bring to a boil and simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits, until onions are just saucy, about 3 minutes. 3. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then turn heat to medium-low and simmer until flavours have come together, about 8 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. While soup is simmering, make large croutons. Heat broiler or grill to high. Brush both sides of baguette slices with olive oil and broil or grill for 1 minute per side or until golden. 5. When you are ready to serve the soup, preheat broiler to high, and top each crouton with 1 tablespoon (25 mL) of grated cheese. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet, and broil for 1 minute, watching carefully, or until cheese is melted and bubbling. 6. Place soup in bowls, stir 1 tsp (5 mL) of brandy into each serving if desired, and top with a Gruyère baguette slice. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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