It is hard to believe that September is a mere three days away! The general consensus that I hear is that “summer was not long enough”… and I must agree that it has slipped by ever so quickly! But as the seasonal rhythms tap out back-to-school, long-sleeved-versus-short, etc., I find my mind wanders to some of those wonderful and cozy moments that belong expressly to Fall.

Included here is the changing of the leaves, the lovely fall food harvest, and of course, one of my favorite lunches…. a classic grilled cheese. But being a big fan of French onion soup, I am totally connected with this very delicious version…

(For 2 sandwiches)

–  2 small onions thinly sliced

–  3 tbsp. unsalted butter (plus extra for buttering the bread)

–  4 tbsp. white wine

–  150 g. Gruyere (or Comte) cheese shredded

–  4 slices plain or sourdough boule

–  1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

–  1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Melt the butter in heavy bottomed saucepan. Add onions, salt and pepper and continue over medium heat until the onions begin to brown. Cover and reduce to very low simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until nicely sweet and carmelized.
2. Add wine to onions and return to medium heat while stirring and scraping the bottom to deglaze. Once all the wine and liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the mix sit.
3. Preheat large skillet up to medium heat. (A cast iron one works really well here). Butter one side of the bread slices. Put first piece butter side down in skillet, then layer 1/4 of the cheese… 1/2 the onions… 1/4 cheese and then top with bread slice (butter on the outside). Press lightly with lifter and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

*For a seriously delicious twist on flavor and texture, layer a few thin avocado slices between the onions and the cheese.

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So it is this vision, along with all the other very special September-into-Autumn delights that conjure up a state of mind to keep me smiling, happy, and looking forward…… mind you, not too subzero forward.