Onion rarebit

Makes 2 rounds

• 2 small-to-medium onions
• 35g butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 125g dark beer
• 75g milk
• 0 tsp made English mustard
• 150g extra mature cheddar
• 2 hot brown toast

Step 1
Peel the onions and cut them into rings or thin segments.

Step 2
Let them cook slowly in the butter over a low to moderate heat till softly sweet and pale gold.

Step 3
This can take as long as 15 minutes or so.

Step 4
While the onions are softening grate the cheese.

Step 5
Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, letting the mixture cook gently for a few moments, then slowly stir in the beer, followed by the milk.

Step 6
You should have a thick sauce.

Step 7
Stir in the mustard and a grinding of black pepper, then introduce the grated cheese.

Step 8
Toast the bread lightly on both sides on a baking sheet.

Step 9
Spoon over the rarebit mixture and leave under the grill for a few minutes till the rarebit is scorched here and there.