Abstract: A method for forming extremely strong ceramic-to-metal joints is provided which is particularly applicable to the formation of components for internal combustion engines. The present method simultaneously brazes a ceramic to a metal and creates a normallized microstructure and desired mechanical in the metal in a single heating step. The ceramic is metallized, a suitable alloy is applied, and the ceramic-alloy-metal composite is first heated to about 160.degree. F. to 1750.degree. F. for about one hour and then gas quenched in nitrogen or argon, or a gas with similar heat transfer capabilities.