The creation of the Flaming Rum Monkey inspired me to consider the possibilities of other flaming foods. For some time now, I have been contemplating having a dinner party at which all of the dishes come to the table in flames.

The dessert is easy–plum pudding is often dowsed with brandy and torched. But what about the other dishes? There's a strangely sadistic British Christmas treat that consists of raisins burning in a bowl of brandy. As a party guest, you are invited to snatch up flaming raisins and pop them into your mouth. Theoretically, the flames go out when you shut your mouth and cut of the fire's supply of oxygen. I say "theoretically" because I have not attempted this myself. My trust in science only goes so far.