French Onion Soup

Name: French Onion Soup
Ingredients: 5 sweet onions (like Vidalias) or a combination of sweet and red onions (about 4 pounds); 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups white wine; 10 ounces canned beef consomme; 10 ounces chicken broth; 10 ounces apple cider (unfiltered is best); Bouquet garni; thyme sprigs, bay leaf and parsley tied together with kitchen string; 1 loaf country style bread; Kosher salt; Ground black pepper; Splash of Cognac (optional); 1 cup Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated