A strong French presence in this year’s nominated films, “Les Miserables” and “Amour” made me think of recipes to enhance the enjoyment of my Oscar partygoers.

Popular in France, Soupe a Loignon, or French onion soup, is a simple, caramelized onion soup, floated with a beef broth and in America, traditionally topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese and croutons. This recipe is an easy-to-make culinary classic that your guests will enjoy while watching the awards.

Most French onion soup bowls are baked in individual, oven-safe ceramic bowls but I chose to use a slow cooker recipe because it allows me to cook enough soup for an unplanned amount of guests, provides for second servings and I can prepare for the party while the soup takes three hours to cook.

According to naturalsociety.com, onions have many health benefits such as quercetin, which can help boost the immune system and prevent colon cancer. Onions help prevent the formation of blood clots and contain chromium, which helps control glucose.

I enjoy the flexibility and simplicity of this recipe; Vegetarians may substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and the French bread can be substituted with gluten-free bread.

With only 185 calories per serving and nine grams of protein, this recipe won’t leave your guests feeling heavy and full. French onion soup is also a great choice for those looking for lighter entrees to serve.

This recipe was adapted from bettycrocker.com.

French Onion Soup

3 large onions

3 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon pepper

4 cans (14 ½ ounces each) beef broth

Cheese-broiled French Bread

8 slices French bread, 1 inch thick

¾ cup (3 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

I used a Rival, three-quart slow cooker, which was the perfect size for this recipe. Line the pot with a slow cooker liner, which can be purchased at a local grocery store. Using a slow cooker liner can help make the clean up easier.

In the slow cooker, mix onions and melted butter. Cover and cook on high, 30 to 35 minutes, or until onions begin to brown around the edges. This makes the deep caramelized flavored prized in this recipe.

Mix flour, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and pepper. Stir flour mixture and broth in the crock-pot.

For those seeking healthier alternatives, use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-fat cheese. You can also personalize your recipe by adding vegetables such as carrots or celery.

Cover and cook on high for three to four hours, or until onions are tender and golden brown.

To prepare cheese-broiled French bread, place the slices on a greased baking sheet.

Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese onto each slice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Broil bread on medium high for three to five minutes or until the bread is toasted. Keep an eye on the bread because it cooks quickly.

Place one slice of bread on top of each bowl of soup.

Serve immediately and bon appetit.

Anna Puccinelli can be reached at [email protected]