Mr B and I prefer our French Onion Soup on the lighter side of traditional, both in sodium load and flavor profile. You can lighten this soup recipe by substituting a light chicken stock or vegetable stock in place of the traditional beef broth base, and white wine instead of the customary red or port.  Note that if you sub in a vegetable stock, take care that it doesn't have a strong flavor, as it will affect the outcome of your soup. If you prefer the classic, intensely flavored French Onion Soup, use beef broth and red wine as listed in the recipe.