Brisket musings

bettysnephew

Newbie to brisket here with some random thoughts/questions after reading many posts.  First off, packer brisket is available at local Sam's Club so no problems on availability.  My question is since I see so many posts regarding splitting the point and flat for burnt ends after the flat is done, would there be any advantage to separating them before the cooking begins in order to allow more surface area for the smoke to penetrate both parts better?   In this instance, if it is possible to cook at a lower temperature for the initial smoking (say 200-210 degrees?) in order to extend the time for connective tissue breakdown in the flat while monitoring it with a Maverick,will the flat dry out too much?  Thanks in advance for your consideration.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

The flat will stay moister of cooked with the point. Flats are much more difficult to get to behave Than a full Packer. If you must do burnt ends (I don't) do them after the flat is done.

lousubcap

Listen to Cen-Tex-he knows his brisket.  And what I think he is saying between the lines is, when done separate the point and flat and slice and eat both.  The flat is easy to slice-across the grain.  Point-a crap shoot as the grain is a random deal-but it is great eats.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

I like burnt ends fine but I love the point right off the egg even better. You can slice it or kind of cube it up and eat it on Sammies or right off the cutting board. In my house, the kids get the flat and the people who know better eat the point .

bettysnephew

Maybe I should go to a local butcher shop and just buy the point, as it is just the wife and I.  I'm sure that any excessive left overs will freeze well for Sammies a couple of days later.  Prolly try to find a smaller packer if possible. Whatever I do this afternoon, there will be brisket cooking tonight.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Nice. Let us know what you find.

tazcrash

Go for it. 

FWIW, You can freeze brisket in food saver, or zip-lock bags, reheat in warm water, almost good as new, still great for sammies!

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boatbum

We love keeping brisket ( an pulled pork ) in the freezer.   Use for all kinds of dishs.

 

bettysnephew

Had to pass on brisket for tonight.  18 pounds was entirely too much for the two of us and it is 100 degrees outside. The rest were flats and I will wait until a smaller one is in the meat case, besides, wife wants to stay with something cool like a salad and it makes some sense in this weather.  Maybe next week, will keep you posted when the big event happens.  Thanks for all the suggestions.