By fusspot

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 15:26

I am afraid to do this when it is mentioned in a recipe. Does it make any difference if I add it and don't set it alight?

Replies

By Alands

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 15:40

Yes, it does, rather. Two main things happen: Some of the excess fat is burned off with the alcohol, and the flavour of the dish is enhanced by the brandy

By Siobhan

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 15:53

Just make sure to switch your extractor fan off!

By Sheelagh, Rossett nr Chester

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 16:03

It's quite fun to do! - especially in the dark! Be brave!

By Sam, worthing west sussex, uk

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 16:10

you could invest in a gas cooker lighter...have a longer nozzle than a ciggie lighter, but you need to make sure you get one that flames, rather than sparks. especially useful if you have an electric hob. the lighters are available from most supermarkets, and kitcheny type shops.

Sammy

if you going to pour it over a christmas pud, i pour the brandy into my milk pan, and gently warm the brandy up, then i use my ladle and then ignite a ladles worth of brandy and then pour it while a light over the pudding.

By Meatloaf

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 16:16

Fusspot, lighting the brandy or any alcohol in a recipe is not strictly necessary. If you add the brandy and make sure you simmer the recipe for a few minutes, then most of the alcohol is burned off anyway.

By vivaciousviv

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 16:21

I warm my brandy in a ladle on gas hob, when its warm enough it catches light then I just ladle it over whatever it is that needs it. Viv

By Karenskitchen

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 16:35

I also do it like Viv. It`s a safe way I think.

By Saffy.

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 18:18

I think I used Vodka for my Christmas pud this year (Saffron Senior was more sober than me so perhaps she can confirm this). I've always had trouble getting the brandy to stay aflame even when I've heated it through.

XX

By Biggles

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
27 Mar 2008 19:39

Need to use more brandy Saffy :0)

Seriously, OH charred, very slightly, the cooker hood in the kitchen after a number of flaming Coq au Vin's. I did have to remind him to move the pan out from under the cooker hood. There was not much height (durr sp)between the hob and cooker hood. Just give yourself enough room over the pan. We like to use those very long matches you can buy, to ignite the spirit. Biggs

By *Bramble

Re: Adding brandy then set alight
28 Mar 2008 13:34

I prefer it unlit - I made crepes suzettes the other week and you can't tell there's brandy in it once it's been flamed, only did it to look pretty! Bramble :-)))