Title: Hamburgers au poivre
 Categories: Ground beef, Main dish, Meats, Patties
      Yield: 4 servings
 
      1 lb Ground Beef
    1/2 t  Salt
    1/2 T  Freshly CrackedBlackPepper;*
      1 T  Brandy Or Cognac; Optional
      3 T  Red Wine; Dry, Optional
 
  *    Or To Taste.
  ~------------------------------------------------------
  ~----------------- Mix meat and salt.  Shape mixture into 4 patties,
  each about 3/4 of an inch thick.
   Press pepper into both sides of the patties.  Cook the patties in a
  large skillet over medium-high heat, turning once, until the desired
  doneness is reached, about 8 minutes. Drain off the fat. Sprinkle the
  cognac over the patties, immediately ignite, if desired. Remove
  patties to a warm platter. Stir the wine into the drippings in the
  skillet. Heat just to boiling, stirring constantly.  Serve sauce over
  the patties.