Caramelized Onion and White Cheddar Dip with Apples and Dark Bread

Name: Caramelized Onion and White Cheddar Dip with Apples and Dark Bread
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning; Salt and pepper; 3 green apples; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 1 small, round loaf crusty pumpernickel bread, cut into bite-size cubes, 1 pound; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup dry white wine; 2 cups half-and-half; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; A pinch or 2 of ground cloves; 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar