Melty onion toasts

• butter↗50g g
• onions↗6

  sliced

• golden caster sugar↗ tsp
• brandy

  (optional)

• sourdough bread↗
• mature cheddar↗300g g

  sliced

• watercress↗

  and your favourite dressing, to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the butter in a sauté pan, add the onions, then sprinkle over the sugar. Sweat the onions for 20 mins over a medium heat, stirring them occasionally, until sticky and golden. Add the brandy, if using, reduce down to nothing, then season to taste. This onion topping can be made 2 days ahead and kept covered.

2. 2

   Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Toast the bread, spread the onions over, then top with slices of cheese. The toasts can be made up 1 hr ahead. Place on a baking tray, then bake for 15 mins until bubbling and golden. Serve each piece of toast on a plate with a sprig of dressed watercress next to it.