Famous Barr's French Onion Soup

INGREDIENTS

lbs onions, unpeeled

1/2 cup

butter (1 stick)

1 1/2 tsp

black pepper, freshly ground

2 tbsp

paprika

bay leaf

7 16 ounce cans

beef broth, divided (recommended Swanson's)

1 cup

dry white wine (optional)

3/4 cup

all-purpose flour (such as Wondra) or 3/4 cup instant flour (such as Wondra)

caramel coloring (optional) or Kitchen Bouquet (optional)

2 tsp

salt

French baguette (optional)

swiss cheese (optional) or gruyere cheese (optional)