CREAMY SWISS ONION SOUP

7 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups day-old bread cubes
3 large onions, quartered & thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups water
4 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 
pepper -- to taste
fresh chives or parsley -- minced

Melt 3 tablespoons butter; toss with bread cubes. 
Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. 
Bake at 350F degrees for 7 minutes; turn and bake 7 minutes longer or until toasted.

Meanwhile 
in a large saucepan, saute the onions in remaining butter until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. 
Stir in water and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 
Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth; gradually stir into onion mixture. 
Stir in remaining milk. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes, stirring until thickened. 
Reduce heat to low; stir in 3/4 cup Swiss cheese and pepper.

Ladle into four ovenproof bowls; sprinkle with reserved croutons and remaining cheese. 
Broil 4 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbly. 
Garnish with chives.