Sautéed Hamburgers au Poivre

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef, formed into 4 patties
1 tablespoon cracked peppercorns
salt to taste
2 tablespoons cognac
3 tablespoons red wine
4 hearty Kaiser rolls
mayonnaise
Arugula

Preparation:

Sprinkle the pepper over the burgers and press into the meat. Season
with salt if you wish. Cook in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat,
turning once, until almost done to your liking. Drain any grease from
the pan, leaving the burgers in it.

CAREFULLY add the cognac and flame. When the flame dies, add the red
wine. Heat just to boiling. Remove the burgers to toasted Kaiser rolls
topped with mayonnaise and some nice peppery Arugula.