1. First, tackle the onions. Wearing gloves, peel the onions in a well ventilated area and slice into thin rounds or half rings (I use a mandolin for speed, precision and less crying). 2. Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat, add the onions (don't worry if they're spilling over the sides) stir well and cover with a lid (you may have to do this in 2 pans but you'll be able to add them together once they've reduced down). 3. After a minute or so, reduce the heat and cook very very gently for about 40 minutes, checking and stirring every 5-10minutes. 4. The onions should be unctuously soft by now, bathing in their own liquid. If not give them another 10 minutes or so. 5. Remove the lid, stir in the sugar, turn up the heat just a little and gently simmer for another 20-30 minutes or so until almost all of the liquid has evaporated. Be careful the onions do not burn. 6. At this point you must stand over the pan and stir the onions constantly, for 10-15 minutes or more scraping the bottom of the pan if necessary so they do not burn until they become golden brown. Once this point is reached you can breath a sigh of relief! 7. Add the vermouth and boil for a few minutes until it has completely evaporated then add the stock, bay leaves and salt along with a good amount of freshly ground black pepper. 8. Simmer gently for half an hour, stirring from time to time then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary 9. Meanwhile toast 6 slices of French bread and set aside. 10. When ready to serve, put a toasted slice of bread in each bowl, pour over the soup, sprinkle with grated gruyere cheese and grill until hot and bubbling. 11. Serve with extra crusty bread and allow yourself to be soothed and calmed. 12. You will be rewarded for all your hard work I promise! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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