Flaming with Cognac adds a little drama--and flavor--to lamb chops. You might even want to try this menu for entertaining if you’ve got unexpected guests. To flame, a spirit must be at least

80 proof (a measurement of alcoholic strength). Alcoholic content is equal to half the proof, so if only that figure is on the label, be sure it’s 40% or more. The higher the proof, the

easier the spirit is to ignite and the larger and longer lasting the flame. For this menu, residual heat in the pan used to cook the lamb chops will warm 80 proof Cognac to the 160 degrees

necessary for it to flame when ignited with a match. As a safety precaution, have a cover for the pan nearby in case the flames need to be extinguished quickly. Allow the flames to die down,

Prepare broccoli for cooking. Season lamb chops. 20 minutes before: Start heating cast-iron skillet. 17 minutes before: Begin cooking lamb chops and steaming broccoli. 8 minutes before:

Reduce pan juices with Cognac and flame chops. 3 minutes before: Halve cooked new potatoes and toss in pan juices before serving. * INGREDIENTS STAPLES Cognac Garlic Coarse salt Peppercorns

* SHOPPING LIST 3/4 pound broccoli florets 8 center-cut lamb chops 12 small new red boiling potatoes 1 bunch fresh rosemary * Kitchen Tip To prepare fresh broccoli florets for steaming,

rinse well under cold running water, trim the bases and cut into individual florets. Place in a steamer above water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat and steam 8 to 10

minutes, until just tender when pierced. * SHORT CUTS * Buying just the broccoli florets costs a little more, but saves time because the stems don’t need to be peeled, and there’s

practically no waste. LAMB CHOPS FLAMED WITH COGNAC 8 center-cut lamb chops 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon

coarse salt 1/4 cup Cognac Sprinkle each chop with garlic, pepper and rosemary, then press into meat. Preheat cast-iron skillet 2 to 3 minutes over high heat. When water dances on surface,

sprinkle with coarse salt. Place chops in skillet, cover pan with spatter guard and reduce heat to medium-high. Sear chops about 1 minute on each side. Reduce heat to medium and cook about 4

minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove pan from heat. Transfer chops to warm plate. Add 2 tablespoons Cognac to pan and stir to loosen any browned bits. Return chops to

skillet. Add 2 more tablespoons Cognac and carefully ignite with long match. As soon as flames die down, remove chops to platter and serve as quickly as possible for best flavor. 4 servings.

430 calories; 367 mg sodium; 94 mg cholesterol; 34 grams fat; 1 gram carbohydrates; 21 grams protein; 0.05 gram fiber. BOILED RED NEW POTATOES 2 1/2 cups water 12 new red boiling potatoes,

1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter Pan drippings from lamb chops Bring water to boil in 3-quart saucepan. Scrub potatoes. Add potatoes to pan, cover and boil gently about 20 minutes, until

fork-tender. Drain and cut each potato in half. After removing lamb chops, place potatoes in skillet and toss to coat with pan drippings. 4 servings. 140 calories; 65 mg sodium; 16 mg

cholesterol; 6 grams fat; 20 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 0.48 gram fiber. “Western Birch Bark” project paper backgrouind from Noteworthy at the Beverly Center and Santa Monica.