Cafe Brulot

"Noir comme le Diable;
Fort comme la Mort;
Doux comme l'Amour;
Et chaud comme l'Enfer."

Translation:
"Black as the Devil;
Strong as Death;
Sweet as Love;
And Hot as Hell."

And no, I'm not speaking about my husband this time. Though oddly it fits.

I'm talking about a strong cup of cafe chaud. For those who do not speak French, I'm referring to hot coffee. I don't speak French, either. But I know how to look up French translations online.
As usual, mid-to-late January into early February gets me in the mood for Mardi Gras. For po' boys and beignets. For crawfish etouffee and pralines. And naturally, a strong cup of French roast coffee.

You won't need to go to New Orleans to enjoy a cup or two of this wonderful and aromatic brew, but it's highly recommended that if you can, please do. Je te/vous remercie.

Cafe Brulot

1 orange
12 whole cloves
1/3 cup brandy
1/3 cup orange liqueur
3- 2-inch long strips of lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cups hot, very strong, brewed French Roast coffee, or chicory if you prefer

Remove the orange zest from the orange with a peeler, keeping it in one long, single spiral. Stud the orange with the cloves. Add to a heavy-bottomed saucepan with brandy, liqueur, lemon zest, cinnamon and sugar. Warm through over medium heat, stirring. Tilt pan over gas burner (or use a long match) to ignite carefully!! Use extreme caution, the flames will shoot up! While the flame subsides, slowly pour in hot coffee. Ladle into small cups (demitasse).