Slow-Cooker Rustic French Onion Soup

Ingredients :

1. 6 large onions, cut in half, then thinly sliced (14 cups) 
2. 1/4 cup butter, melted
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon pepper
5. 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
6. 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
7. 3/4 cup dry sherry
9. 1/4 cup water
10. 1 carton (32 oz) progress o beef-flavored broth (4 cups)
11. 20 slices (1/2 inch thick) baguette (about 10 oz)
12. 6 oz gruyere cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
13. Fresh thyme leaves, if desired

Method :

Spray 6- to 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, place onions, butter, salt, pepper and dried thyme. In medium bowl, mix flour, sherry and water with wire whisk until blended. Stir into onion mixture.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 9 to 10 hours or until onions are softened and deep brown.

Stir broth into slow cooker. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 10 minutes or until hot.

Meanwhile, set oven control to broil. Line cookie sheet with foil. Arrange baguette slices in single layer on cookie sheet. Broil with tops 3 inches from heat 2 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. Sprinkle cheese evenly over slices; broil 1 minute longer or until cheese is bubbly. Top each bowl of soup with 2 cheese toasts. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.