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.

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.