French Onion Soup - Better Than Bouillon

Ingredients

• .25 cup unsalted butter
• 6 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground thyme
• .25 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 gallon water
• 6 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
• 2 dried bay leaves
• .5 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 baguette, cubed and toasted, set aside
• 1 pound Gruyere cheese, grated, set aside (may substitute swiss cheese)