4-5 lg. yellow onions
3 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. coarse black pepper
1 tbsp. flour
3 (10 oz.) cans beef broth
3 c. water
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
6-8 slices French bread
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
1 c. grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Peel and thinly slice onions (about 5 cups). Melt butter in a saucepan. Add onions and ground pepper, saute, stirring frequently until onions are light golden brown. Sprinkle onions with flour and stir until all traces of flour are gone. Cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Gradually add beef broth, water and bay leaf. Return to moderate heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook on low, uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Pour into individual dishes. Put on a cookie sheet. Put slices of toasted French bread on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 425 degrees until cheese melts. Serves 4-6.