How much Brisket do I cook?

FarmerTom

I'm finally getting back to egging again after some health issues.   And I need some advice.   My fathers family has a large family gathering every summer and Christmas.  Usually around 70 or so including children.  I have been asked to cook brisket.  Seems some thought what I egged for our daughters wedding was particularly good (I think I just got lucky).  But I'm not sure how much to figure on.  I have a cousin that will be bringing lots of chicken ( they own a KFC or two).  And there will be plenty of other dishes.  This family likes to eat and there will be lots of food.  From what I've read on here, I should allow for 50% shrinkage.  I know some of you routinely cook for large gatherings.  How much brisket should I cook?  I'm thinking 2 - 16/18 lbs.  I usually get the USDA prime at Costco.  Is this enough, too much?  I want to have enough, but don't want an entire brisket left over either.  Thanks

Foghorn

It will partly depend on how good the brisket is.  If it's better than the chicken you might need enough to feed everybody.  That could mean 0.625 pounds/person precooked (but after trimming).  For 70 people that's over 40 pounds.  

Given that there will be extra food, I think that your estimate seems really reasonable.  Worst case scenario is that you cook it very well and at the end of the meal there are some people eating chicken who are complaining that you didn't cook enough brisket...  That's a pretty good situation.  

And welcome back to the game.

YukonRon

Foghorn said:

It will partly depend on how good the brisket is.  If it's better than the chicken you might need enough to feed everybody.  That could mean 0.625 pounds/person precooked (but after trimming).  For 70 people that's over 40 pounds.  

Given that there will be extra food, I think that your estimate seems really reasonable.  Worst case scenario is that you cook it very well and at the end of the meal there are some people eating chicken who are complaining that you didn't cook enough brisket...  That's a pretty good situation.  

And welcome back to the game.

Leftover brisket is great in soups and chili.

lousubcap

Glad you are back here.  Gotta admit with my limited recall it seems all you do are large cooks for big family events  .  Nothing wrong with that.  
@Foghorn has done several large cooks.  He has you covered.  

FarmerTom

lousubcap said:

Glad you are back here.  Gotta admit with my limited recall it seems all you do are large cooks for big family events  .  Nothing wrong with that.  
@Foghorn has done several large cooks.  He has you covered.  

Haven’t really done much for about a year now. Right knee got so bad it was all I could do to half way keep the farm going. Had it replaced in Feb.  Hoping that’s the end of surgeries.  Since the steer got me down in 2010 I’ve had my left pelvis  screwed back together, left knee replaced, left hip replaced, and right knee replaced. I have plans for a grilling shed for my M & XL & Blacksone and a sheet of stainless for a top.  Just gotta get caught up and get it built.  We had our 1st grandchild a year ago in March ( 2 months early, but doing great) and she occupies a lot of our spare time.  But I’m still hoping to keep those eggs warm again. 

Foghorn

You've got this.

You could cook 3 briskets and have about enough to feed everybody.  But then the folks that bring the chicken would see that nobody ate it and they'll feel unappreciated.  That isn't the goal.  I've been on both sides of that scenario and walked away feeling bad regardless of which side I was on.  

dldawes1

Invite me and I gaurantee you won't have any brisket left over !!!

Good to hear you brother.

Matt86m

Big family gathering, lots of people, im sure I could get in and out with some brisket before someone called me on what part of the family I am from. Ive seen wedding crashers and pretty sure I could pull this off. Where will this gathering be?