Categories: Ground beef, Beef 
      Yield: 4 servings 
  
      1 lb Ground Beef                       1/2 ts Salt 
    1/2 tb Freshly CrackedBlackPepper;*        1 tb Brandy Or Cognac; Optional 
      3 tb 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.