<sf> wrote in message ...
> On Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:34:15 -0700, Jed
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>For some. I love a fat-laced corned beef or pastrami. Not something
>>one should indulge in regularly, but the taste is so much better on
>>those rare occasions that you allow yourself -- with a good mustard or
>>horseradish.
>
> Have you ever smoked your own pastrami?
>

I do a couple of times a year. I cure my own brisket and them make pastrami
out of it. Good eating.



How do I make my own corned beef?


For best results, use trimmed briskets.





Start with a curing brine. This recipe makes enough for 25 lbs of meat.





5 quarts ice water (about 38-40F)

8 oz. salt

3 oz. Prague Powder #1

3 oz. powdered dextrose



Spray pump the briskets to about 12-15% of their original weight. After
pumping, the briskets are packed in a vat, and sprinkled with whole pickling
spice. If more than one brisket is done at a time, pack them flesh to flesh
with the fat sides out. Add enough brine to cover and allow to cure for 3-4
days at 38-40F. The meat is then ready to use (but still requires cooking).











What is pastrami and how do I make my own?


For best results, use trimmed briskets.





Start with a curing brine. This makes enough for 25 lbs of meat.





5 quarts ice water (about 38-40F)

8 oz. salt

5 oz. Prague Powder #1

5 oz. powdered dextrose

1 Tb garlic juice



Prepare and cure as for corned beef.



After curing, remove from brine and rub liberally with cracked black pepper
and coriander seeds.



Smoke at 140F until the meat is dry and then increase smoker temperature to
200-220F and hold until internal temperature of meat reaches 170-180F.



Chill overnight before using. This meat is fully cooked.