Chin Up, Goggles On, Don't Cry

The tears are not due to Sludge's 21st season finale...I swear! stop looking at me....please. Quit it!

Cut onions produce the chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide which stimulates the eyes' lachrymal glands so they release tears. But you can mask your tears either by wearing gOnionggles(R) or by perfecting your caramelized-onion technique:

The look you want is a glossy, honey-brown; the onions will be slightly sticky. You can get a deeper brown color if you have time to cook them longer.

How do you keep from crying when you cut into them? The National Onion Association says to chill onions at least 30 minutes before cutting, & use a sharp, straight-edge knife to avoid damaging the cells of the onion. Finally, cut the root end of the onion last, as it generally has the highest concentration of tear-producing compounds.