French onion soup

This is really good--never had better in any restaurant.  The recipe is from Southern Living and makes 8 generous servings.  And it's really easy to make.

6 large sweet onions, sliced thin
1/4 c butter, melted
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
32 oz beef broth (I used homemade)
2 cans beef consommé
1/4 c dry white wine
1 t thyme

Combine onions, melted butter, salt and pepper in slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low.  Stir in broth, consommé, wine and thyme and cook 15 minutes more (or until hot).

Cut 2" thick slices of French bread and top with shredded Gruyere cheese.  Put under the broiler until cheese melts.

Ladle soup into crocks and submerge cheese bread in broth.