757. SMOKED BRISKET and BACON with COFFEE BEER MOP SAUCE

makes 10 to 12 servings


1 lb. sliced bacon, preferably artisanal (optional)
1 (6- to 8-lb.) piece center cut brisket

For the rub:
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
2 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. garlic powder

For the Coffee Beer Mop Sauce:
1 cup beer
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup coffee
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
salt
4 to 6 cups hickory or apple chips or wood chunks, soaked in water to cover for one hour, then drained and an aluminum foil pan

Make the rub. Place the salt, brown sugar, paprika, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl and stir to mix. Place the brisket in a roasting pan and generously sprinkle both sides with rub, about three tablespoons per side. The excess rub will keep for several months in a jar. You can cook the brisket right away, but it will be better if you let it cure with the rub for several hours, or even a day in the refrigerator.

Make the mop sauce. Combine the beer, cider, cider vinegar, coffee, oil, Worcestershire sauce and salt in a bowl and whisk to mix.

Set up your grill for indirect grilling. If using a gas grill, place wood chips in a smoker pouch. Run the grill on high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium-low (300 degrees). If using a charcoal grill, preheat to medium-low. Just before putting the brisket on, toss 1/2 cup wood chips on each mound of coals.

Place the brisket on the grate in the center, over the drip pan, away from the heat. If using bacon, drape the slices over the top of the meat.

Indirect-grill the brisket until tender, five to six hours. If using a charcoal grill, add 12 fresh coals and 1/2 cup wood chips to each side every hour. (The total cooking time will depend on the size of the brisket and heat of the grill.) Generously baste or mop the meat on both sides with the Coffee Beer Mop Sauce once an hour for the first four hours.

Tightly wrap brisket in foil and continue cooking until very tender, one to two hours more.

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain, using an electric knife or sharp carving knife. Transfer the sliced meat to a platter.


courtesy of: Home & Garden TV