Pastrami

[Tyrus]

    Lately on my internet feed an advertisement for Katz's pastrami has been following me, rather than ordering I decided to make my own. Since it is a weeks long prep soaking in a brine comprised of many spice ingredients and aromatics along with Praugue Powder better known as Curing Salt#1 I knew it needed a controlled and reliable steady cook, one I didn't have to continually watch over...the KK.  This was the tricky part for me, the video I followed instructed one to add 4 Tbls of this Backwoods pickling mix that had curing salt as an additive. Now this didn't help, I didn't have this product but only Curing Salt on hand and if you know amounts are critical when using this product. As a safety concern an internet search was conducted leading me to Amazing Ribs.com where a formula plug in showed the ratio of meat weight to H2O giving the recommended amount of CS to use in grams which was approx 1 Tbls. In a liquid suspension you are allowed to increase the amount safely however it will affect the time your meat soaks in the brine as shorter, it was a unusual balancing act so I stayed with 1 Tbls for 1 gal at a weeks duration. 
   Yesterday was cooking day, starting with a full basket knowing this 4.25 lb brisket piece would require at least 7-8hrs of cooking time I dialed the KK in for 250F on this cold 19F degree day. It took approx 45 mins to settle in, I placed the meat on and watched the temp off an on for an additional 1/2 hr. Nothing moved, 250 was holding quite well, so I had a few hours of errands too run and out I went confident it would be where I left it when I returned. To make a long story short, it was not only at 250 upon my return, it remained there throughout the whole cook unencumbered by any more adjustments for what took approx 8 hrs total. I wrapped the brisket point at 160 degrees tightly in foil once it established a bark and ended by probing for tenderness and pulling at 208 degrees. Quite an ordeal of waiting a week but a rewarding event to have such a smooth consistent cook throughout. Now I didn't use any billows apparatus, just a few chunks of oak tossed on top supplied a long sufficient smoke, that's it.
    You can either slice it thin on a slicer or cut it with a knife, bear in mind straight it may be a little salty otherwise steam in pot with a little water although you'll loose the nice crust. Served here on a Chibatta roll with dijon and cheese, red bliss dill tata salad and brocolli salad.

[tony b]

I cheat and buy corned beef briskets when they go on sale right after St. Pat's day. Rinse off their spices and coat with the coarse black pepper and coriander seeds. 

[C6Bill]

Looks great !!!!