—————————————————— Smoker Not Working? How to Cook a Brisket in the Oven. And Save the Day | Eating Our Words | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

Creative Cooking

Smoker Not Working? How to Cook a Brisket in the Oven. And Save the Day

Okay, we know that for many of you today, July 4, is your one-shot patriotic party day and that a lot of you think you have to like to cook brisket.

But maybe this is the first time you've hauled out that smoker in say weeks, months, years. And gasp -- it's not working. Or you forgot to get the wood chips and soak them. Or the smoker is drawing too much power and you blew a fuse.

You've still got some time before all those people arrive later (well, we hope several hours later) today to salute the 4th.

Turn to Jeff Balke's time-honored recipe for how to cook brisket in the oven.

And pop a can of beer and relax. Maybe give that old smoker a little kick as well. Enjoy the day. Hey and now you've got more time to make that apple or cherry pie you get to once a year as well.

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Margaret Downing is the editor-in-chief who oversees the Houston Press newsroom and its online publication. She frequently writes on a wide range of subjects.
Contact: Margaret Downing