3 caramelized mushroom croutons Recipes

butter, leeks, white and light green parts only, finely sliced, brown sugar, sliced mushrooms, chopped fresh thyme, salt and freshly ground black pepper, brandy , cognac or sherry, chicken or vegetable stock, croutons, baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes , about 2 cups, butter, melted, shredded sharp , hard cheese

butter, onions, halved, thinly sliced (about 5 cups), fresh thyme sprigs, portobello mushrooms, stemmed, caps halved and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips, cognac or brandy, garlic cloves, minced, canned vegetable broth, dry white wine, thick slices french-bread baguette, toasted, soft fresh goat cheese, room temperature