Title: Steak with brandy
 Categories: Beef
      Yield: 4 Servings
 
      4    Beef top loin or strip
           Steaks, cut 1" thick, about
           2 1/4 lbs.
      1 tb Cracked peppercorns
      2 tb Butter or margarine
    1/4 c  Chopped shallots OR
           Scallions
      2 tb Butter or margarine
      1    Beef bouillon cube
    3/4 c  Boiling water
    1/4 c  Brandy or cognac
 
  Place steak in waxed paper.Sprinkle with 1/3 tsp. cracked
  peppercorns;rub over meat and press in with heel of hand.Turn steak
  over,add another 1/3 tsp. of pepper.Repeat with remaining steaks.In
  electric skillet,melt 2 tbsp. butter with heat control set at 350
  degrees.Cook steaks about 2 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on
  doneness.Transfer steaks to a serving plate.Keep warm in a 200 degree
  oven.In electric skillet,cook shallots in remaining 2 tbsp. butter
  with heat control set at 350 degrees until tender,about 1 minute.Add
  bouillon cube to 3/4 cup boiling water and dissolve.Add bouillon
  liquid to skillet,boil rapidly for 1 minute,while stirring to scrape
  up browned bits from pan.Add steaks to pan.Carefully,heat brandy or
  cognac in a ladle over direct heat. Ignite.Carefully,pour over
  steaks.When flame dies,serve.Makes 4 servings.