Beer-Braised Cipollini Onions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add onions and cook for 1 minute. Drain. Peel and trim the root end, if necessary, but leave the onions whole.

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until browned in spots, 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in beer (or hard cider), brown sugar and thyme; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Uncover and gently stir the onions. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook at a gentle boil, spooning the sauce over the onions frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a light syrup, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.