3 lyonnaise style soup Recipes

leeks , trimmed of tough tops, leave 3 to 4 inches of green on white of leek, extra-virgin olive oil , 2 tbsp for soup, 1/4 cup for salad dressing, some for drizzling, bay leaf, fresh or dried, all purpose potatoes , such as russet, peeled and sliced, salt and freshly ground black pepper, good quality chicken stock , available on soup aisle, garlic , cracked away from skin, whole grain french bread, cut into very small pieces, plu more for dipping, slab bacon , 1 (1/2-inch) slice from butcher counter, shallot, chopped, white wine vinegar, dijon mustard, eggs, heads chicory, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces, heads endive , quartered lengthwise and leaves separated, chopped fresh tarragon leaves , a few sprigs, chopped fresh chives, for garnish

unsalted butter or 4 tbsp unsalted margarine, yellow onions, thinly sliced, salt, fresh ground pepper, cognac, beef stock or 8 cups broth, fresh thyme , tied into bundle, french bread , cut into 1/2-inch slices, gruyere cheese , coarsley grated, egg yolks (optional), port wine (optional), chopped parsley, garnish