Yes it can, they are both made in the same way and have similar alcohol content so in cooking they are OK. I woudn't recommend drinking either of them.
Bourbon or any type of whiskey would make a good substitute, if you don't have any brandy on hand. If you are trying to avoid alcohol, brandy extract mixed with water would be preferable. If you...
if you are worried about alchoholic content, don't be. all alchol is cooked out and vaporized in the cooking process, if cooked a reasonable amount of time!
The large surface area of the brandy balloon helps evaporate it, the narrow top traps the aroma inside the glass, while the rounded bottom allows the glass to be cupped in the hand, thus warming the...