Fall is here, time for meat in the oven...

Last week the weather began to turn here in Seattle. I pulled out the flannet sheets, made some hot chocolate, and broke out the long sleeved tshirts. Of course, as soon as I did that, we are back in 70 degree weather. You're welcome Seattle.

While it was cold, I decided it was time for a big, warm meal. I just happened to have a lovely Living Social Whole Foods deal and was going to be near a Whole Foods, so I decided to look for a brisket. They had 1. It was fate telling me to make a brisket! I actually didn't take the whole brisket, it was more than my family needed, and the lovely people at Whole Foods will give you a smaller piece if that's what you want.
This recipe calls for a big brisket. This recipe is a party recipe. Or you have a family of serious carnivores. I've made it with as small a brisket as 1-1/4 lb. I generally do a 2-3 pound brisket. I don't reduce the sauce. The sauce is my favorite part! Especially as it drips down your chin! So don't be put off by the chunk of meat it says in the recipe, use whatever size you're comfortable using.

This wonderful recipe is from an old friend in Ohio. She got it from someone when she lived in Louisianna. I have lost this recipe a couple times and she has kindly shared it again.


Louisianna Brisket

5-6 lb brisket (not corned beef!)
1 small bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
1/2 c celery
1 onion cut in rings
2 T brown sugar
2 t seasoning salt
3/4 c cider vinegar

Place brisket in a large oven safe pan.

Mix together all the items besides the brisket.

Pour sauce over brisket.

Marinate overnight (very important!!!)

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 250 for 3 hours or until the meat is falling apart. Larger chunks of meat may take longer.

I don't specificy the size of onion because everyone should decide how much onion the do or don't like. I also never add the celery. The original recipe says to bake at 325 for 4 hours, but I found the temperature adjustment works well, but I know some people don't like to cook at the lower heat. Do what works for you. I've also debated doing this in the slow cooker. Maybe next time!

Enjoy!