Susan Spicer's Cream of Garlic Soup

Serves people

Instructions

In a one-gallon, heavy-bottomed pot, sauté onions and garlic in butter and oil. Stir frequently over low to medium heat until they turn a deep golden brown--about 30 minutes.
Add chicken broth and bouquet garni and bring to a boil. Stir in bread cubes and simmer 10 minutes, until bread is soft.
Remove bouquet garni and puree soup in blender carefully. Strain back into the saucepan. Heat and whisk in more chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick. Add half-and-half. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2 lbs. onion, peeled and roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
2 cups garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
1 bouquet garni (parsley stems, thyme sprigs and bay leaf)
2 cups stale French Bread, torn into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup half-and-half
Salt
White pepper