CARAMELIZED ONION AND GRUYERE DIP

Steps:

• Slice the top off the loaf of bread and remove the insides with your hands or a sharp paring knife, leaving about a ¾ inch thickness on the inside shell; set bread shell aside.
• Melt the butter with the oil in a medium skillet over moderate heat.
• Add in the onions, stirring to coat with the butter mixture.
• Saute for about 3 minutes, until the onions begin to soften.
• Sprinkle with salt, sugar, and thyme, and saute for another 10 minutes, until the onions begin to turn golden, being careful that they don't burn.
• Transfer the contents of the skillet to a mixing bowl and let cool.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
• Fold in the onions and Gruyere cheese; stir until blended.
• Spoon into the bread shell and serve immediately with chips or veggies or baguette slices.
• OAMC: Cover and freeze for up to 2 months; when ready to serve, defrost the dip overnight in the refrigerator; preheat oven to 350°; bring the dip to room temperature for 20 minutes, bake for 20 minutes, until bubbling; serve immediately.