1 Chop the onions and leeks (be warned this will make you cry, but it does clear the sinuses), peel and flatten the garlic
2 Melt the butter then add oil, veg, sage and S&P (lots of P)
3 Fry gently, covered, for 50-60 minutes – then uncovered for a further 15-20
4 Add the stock and simmer gently for 15 mins, uncovered
5 Toast the bread, ladle the soup into a bowl, lay toast on top and grate some cheese over it - grind a bit more pepper on top too
6 Pop it under the grill until cheese bubbles, enjoy.