Barry's Mississippi Mud Cake

INGREDIENTS:

5 lb Unpeeled onions
1 Stick butter
1 1/2 ts Freshly ground black pepper
2 tb Paprika
1 Bay leaf
7 cn (16-oz) beef broth; divided
-(recommended swanson's)
1 c Dry white wine; optional
3/4 c All-purpose or instant flour
-(such as Wondra)
Caramel coloring or Kitchen
-Bouquet; optional
2 ts Salt
French baguettes; optional
Swiss or Gruyere cheese;
-optional