Miss Mary Bobo's Tennessee Onion Soup
Tennessee's take on French onion soup has a nice kick to it - a perfectly satisfying starter and a sure sign of good things to come.

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil
6 large onions, sliced
85ml Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
a quarter teaspoon thyme
3 pints (1.7 litres) beef broth
6 slices French bread, toasted
350g grated smoked Cheddar cheese

Heat butter and oil in large soup pot. Cover and cook onions over low heat for about 30mins, stirring occasionally until it is a rich brown colour. Stir in Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey, thyme and broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Ladle into ovenproof bowls. Top each with a slice of French bread and a sprinkle of cheese. Grill until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Makes 6 servings.