French Onion Soup

1 large onion, yellow or red (I used yellow)
2 thick slices of French bread
3 slices swiss cheese
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 C. good beef broth
pinch of salt
1 bay leaf
2 T. butter

Melt the butter over med. high heat in a med. size pot. Peel and quarter the onion then thinly slice it. Place the onion in the melted butter, add a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally till caramelized, about 8 - 10 minutes. Add the beef broth, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile heat the broiler to high and toast both sides of the French bread. Once toasted, set aside. Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into oven proof crocks. Place the bread on top of the soup then top each crock with 1 1/2 slices of the cheese. Place the crocks on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and begins to lightly brown. Remove and serve. This recipe is for 2 servings.