messing family picture

Café Brûlot

This after-dinner preparation is usually made in a silver bowl about 10 inches in diameter.

  1. Pour boiling water into the bowl and let it heat; then pour the water out and dry the bowl.
  2. Into the warm bowl, put the sugar, cloves, brandy, cinnamon, and lemon and orange peels; stir lightly.
  3. Lower the lights in the room. Very carefully touch a flame to the mixture. The brandy will flame readily if the bowl and the brandy have been warmed. Let it burn only 15 to 20 seconds, stirring the mixture with a ladle.
  4. Pout the coffee down the side of the bowl, stirring all the while.
  5. Ladle into demitasse cups and enjoy immediately.

6 to 10 servings