INGREDIENTS

1. 25lbsbeef brisket
2. 1 1/2gallonswater
3. 1cupsalt
4. 8bay leaves
5. 1/4cupdry crushed red pepper
6. 2tablespoonssaltpeter
7. 10ouncespickling spices
8. 12garlic cloves, peeled
9. 2cupsdark brown sugar
10. 1teaspoonbaking soda

DIRECTIONS

1. Trim and remove almost all of the visible fat from the brisket and cut each brisket in half.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large ceramic crock, stirring well to dissolve the salt and sugar.
3. Place trimmed brisket in crock and place crock in refrigerator.
4. Weight brisket down so it stays completely submerged in brine solution (I use a large jar filled with water).
5. Marinate brisket for 21 days.
6. Remove brisket and rinse off seasonings.
7. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
8. Place one piece of brisket in a large baking dish and add about 1 inch of water.
9. Cover and bake for about 1 hour or until tender.