Name: Onion Soup with Loads of Thyme and Giant Gruyère Crostini
Ingredients: 1 pound yellow onions, halved and thinly cut lengthwise; 3 to 5 sprigs of fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Fresh cracked pepper; 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 cups beef stock; 1 cup water; 1 1/2-inch-thick slice of ciabatta bread cut in half; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss Gruyère cheese

Image may contain Food Confectionery Sweets Ice Cream Cream Dessert Creme Bowl and Bread

Onion Soup with Loads of Thyme and Giant Gruyère CrostiniCaren Alpert

Whenever the weather begins to get cold, I begin to fantasize about that perfect bowl of French onion soup. The top is golden and crisp, the cheese has blistered and fallen and is completely melted, and gooey bits are stuck to the outer sides of the bowl. When I cut through the cheese, the bread is slightly crisp, but mushy at the same time. I fill my spoon with the rich, full broth crammed with soft, sweet, smoky onions. Here's my fantasy in a bowl.

Recipe notes

Mango Sticky Rice

Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.

Popover-Topped Pot Pie

A lofty popover replaces pie crust in this vegetarian pot pie filled with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and asparagus.

Easy Egg Custard

With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.

Simple Hot Cocoa for One

With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Smoked Salmon Pasta With Capers and Dill

Cured fish, cream, and lemon make an elegant base for this unexpected one-pot pasta.

Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp (Xiang La Fengmi Xia)

A satisfying weeknight dinner from Tiffy Chen. Serve with rice or noodles.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.