Hanukkah Sweet-and-Sour Brisket

This mouth-watering dish may be simmered on top of the stove as well as cooked in a slow cooker. You may make it 3 days in advance and chill or freeze for up to six months. Wrap before freezing.

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (6 pound) brisket
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large yellow onions, 1/2 inch slices
• 4 large celery stalks and leaves, 1/2 inch slices
• 8 ounces chili sauce or spicy ketchup
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 12 ounces beer
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 large baking potatoes, 1/2-inch slices
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Sear meat, fat side down for from five to ten minutes. When brown, turn and brown on the other side.
2. Remove brisket. Skim off any fat and discard, leaving drippings in pan. Add water, onions, celery, chili sauce, vinegar and molasses to pan and mix well. Return meat to pan, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 3 hours.
3. Add beer, paprika and potatoes. Re-cover and cook for an hour longer, adding water, if needed, to keep moist.
4. Serve on a warmed platter surrounded by potatoes and cooking liquid.

Crockpot Instructions

1. Place all ingredients except salt and pepper in a large crock pot set on high heat. Cover and took for 6 to 8 hours or until tender.
2. Let brisket cook in liquid for 30 minutes, then transfer to a container. Pour the cooking liquid and potatoes in a bowl. Discard bay leaves. Let cool for at least 2 hours, then skim off fat.
3. Return liquid and potatoes to pot with a lid. Cut meat across grain into 1/4-inch slices; add to the liquid. Cover and reheat over low or heat in the microwave. Adjust seasonings.
4. Serve on a warmed platter surrounded by potatoes and cooking liquid.