Caramelized Onion Dip

4 cups coarsely chopped onions

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

cup reduced-fat mayonnaise (see note)

cup heavy or whipping cream (see note)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

4 ounces (1 cup) plus 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, divided use

Potato chips, for serving, optional

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.Peel and coarsely chop the onions.In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the onions. Cook until the onions are caramelized, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cream, garlic, thyme and 1 cup of cheese. When the onions are done, stir them into the mayonnaise mixture. Spray one 1-quart ceramic casserole or dip dish or two frac12;-quart dishes with cooking-oil spray (see note). Spread dip into dish(es), and top with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese.Bake, uncovered, until top is golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately, with potato chips, if desired.Makes about 3frac14; cups.Cook#146;s note: You can use regular mayonnaise or heavy whipping cream if desired.Because this dip is best served hot, for a party setting we recommend separating the dip into two dishes, and then baking one after the other to ensure hot, fresh out-of-the-oven goodness.Can be made up to one day prior to baking. Cover and refrigerate the dip, then uncover and place in a preheated oven. (Baking time will increase slightly if dish is cold going into the oven. Make sure that your dish allows for refrigerator-to-oven temperature change, such as Pyrex.)@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per tablespoon (without chips): 27 calories (64 percent from fat), 2 g fat (1 g saturated), 1.5 g carbohydrates, trace amount fiber, 1 g protein, 3 mg cholesterol, 57 mg sodium.