3 onions, thinly sliced
3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
75²µ/2¾´Ç³ú beef dripping
225g/8oz plain flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 litre/1¾ pints fresh beef or veal stock
50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú butter
8 free-range eggs
500ml/18fl oz whole milk
50ml/1¾fl oz brandy
250ml/9fl oz red wine