Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs ground beef round
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons very coarsely cracked black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, preferably coarse
• 1/3 cup beef broth or 1/3 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Mix meat mixture ingredients until well blended.

2. Shape into four 1 1/4-inch thick patties.

3. Press pepper into flat sides.

4. Let stand 15 minutes.

5. Lightly sprinkle salt over bottom of a large nonstick skillet.

6. Place over medium high heat until hot.

7. Add patties and cook until well browned on both sides and no longer pink in centers, about 15 minutes.

8. If not making the sauce, sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

9. If servinig with sauce, remove patties to warm plates.

10. Remove any excess fat in skillet, leaving brown (not burned;) bits.

11. Add brandy or broth and cook and stir until reduced to about 2 tbls.

12. Add cream and butter.

13. Stir over high heat until reduced to 3 tbls.

14. Spoon over meat.

15. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

16. Enjoy!

17. Makes 4 servings.