There is nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a bowl of hot French onion soup, especially one made with beer! Use a good beef stock (homemade is best) and take the time to caramelize the onions properly.
Active preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2½–3 hours
Serves: 6–8
4 lb (1.8 kg) yellow onions, julienned
4 Tbs butter
4 Tbs all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup (12 fl oz/355 ml) Humboldt Brown or similar brown ale
1 oz (28 g) fresh Italian parsley
1 oz (28 g) fresh thyme
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp whole mustard seed
4 whole allspice berries
2 cloves
2 qt (64 fl oz/1.9 l) beef stock
Croutons or sliced baguette
2 cup shredded Comté Cheese Association Comté