Hamburgers Au Poivre

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.
-