4applespreferably 3 Fuji and 1 Granny Smith or 4 pears (Bosc or other cooking pear) peeled, cored, and thickly sliced
6cupsfresh or canned chicken stock or broth
3ozStilton cheesecrumbled
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme or rosemarychopped
Instructions
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large, heavy pot. You may need two pans for browning the onions. Add the onions, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized--light brown in color and soft in texture--about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, microwave the unpeeled head of garlic for 1 minute on high until soft. If not soft, microwave 1 to 2 minutes longer. Allow to cool, then peel.
When the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and the sliced apples. Stir in the stock or broth, bring to the boil, reduce the heat, and cook over low heat until soft, 40 to 50 minutes.
Add the crumbled cheese and heat until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold.