French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• pounds sweet onions, such as Vidalias, or a combination of sweet and red onions
• tablespoons unsalted butter
• teaspoons kosher salt
• fluid ounces white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• fluid ounces canned beef consomme or good-quality beef broth
• fluid ounces chicken broth
• bouquet garni, 2 sprigs each thyme and parsley and 2 bay leaves tied together wi
• loaf country-style bread
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• splash Cognac, optional
• ounces Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated