Blend the water, vinegar, sugar, and pepper

Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Cut onions in half lengthwise through skins; place, cut side down, in vinegar mixture. Bake, uncovered, in lower third of a 400F

oven until onions give readily when gently squeezed and cut sides are glazed (1 to 1-1/4 hours)

Arrange, cut side up, on a platter

Season to taste with salt

Goes well with roast beef, turkey, pork chops, or sausages

Makes 8 servings.