1 12 pound beef brisket

For the seasoning paste:
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons apple juice or cider (or as needed)

For the rub:
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) paprika
3 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons celery salt
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons pure chili powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

For the mop sauce: (If using and outdoor grill)
1 quart apple juice or apple cider
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
1 to 1-1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
You'll also need: 4 cups oak chips or chunks, soaked in water to cover for 1 hour,
then drained. (Note: if using chunks in a smoker, you'll probably need more
like 8 cups.)

Brisket


1. Trim the outer layer of fat on the brisket so that about 1/4 inch remains. Cut out the pocket of fat between the flat and cap. Place the brisket in a roasting pan.

2. Make the seasoning paste. Place the mustard, sugar, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Stir in enough apple juice to obtain a thick paste. (How thick? Like wallpaper paste,) Spread half this paste over the brisket on both sides with a rubber spatula or your fingers. Let sit for 15 minutes. Spread the remaining paste over the brisket on both sides and let set for another 15 minutes.

3. Combine the ingredients for the rub in a bowl and stir to mix. Sprinkle the rub over the brisket on both sides, rubbing it into the meat with your fingertips. Cover the brisket and marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours.

(You can use this mop sauce in a regular oven if you like)
4. Make the mop sauce. Combine the apple juice, vinegar, and salt in a large bowl and whisk until the salt crystals are dissolved.

(For outdoor grilling)
5. Set up your grill for indirect grilling. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or a smoker pouch. Run the grill on high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to low (275 degrees). If using a charcoal grill, preheat to low and toss 1 cup wood chunks on the coals. If using a smoker, fire it up according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(For indoor oven)
5. Set oven at 250 to 275 degrees.

6. Place the meat fat side up on the grill (away from the heat) or in the smoker. Cook it is until handsomely browned, 3-1/2 to 4 hours. (The internal temperature will be about 165 degrees.) If using a charcoal grill, replenish the coals and wood every hour. Mop or baste the meat every hour with the mop sauce.

(For indoor oven) 6. Place the meat fat side up in a roasting pan. Cook it is until handsomely browned, 3-1/2 to 4 hours. (The internal temperature will be about 165 degrees.)Bake in oven with a lid on the roasting pan for 6 - 7 hours, and then generously brush the top of the brisket with barbecue sauce and remove lid for the remaining 1 - 2 hours. Check every 20 minutes or so to make sure the meat hasn't burned.

7. Generously brush the brisket on both sides with the barbecue sauce and tightly wrap in heavy duty aluminum foil. Continue cooking the brisket until very tender, another 3-1/2 to 4 hours, for a total of 7 to 8 hours cooking time. This will be easy in a smoker. It's a little more challenging to maintain such a low heat on a gas or charcoal grill-work at a higher heat if you have to, but shorten the cooking time. Partially unwrap the brisket to test for doneness, taking care not to spill the juices-the meat should be very dark and very tender, with an internal temperature of around 190 degrees. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let rest for at least 20 minutes.

8. Thinly slice the meat across the grain. Spoon the reserved juices over the brisket and serve at once. You could accompany the meat with your favorite barbecue sauce, but if you do so, serve it on the side. The brisket will be so phenomenal, you shouldn't distract the first taste with sauce.