Happy Thanksgiving!

Its a great day!  Yesterday we found out that Hubby is getting a promotion.  I got a call for a job interview.  He said he does want to hire me!  After 19 months since moving to East TN things are starting to lighten up!  Thank you Lord!

What corn free foods am I having for Thanksgiving dinner?  Prime Rib from the grass feed beef we bought this year.  I scavaged about 2 - 3 cups of broccoli from the garden, and 1 gallon of spinach.  I think I might make some fried onion / garlic quinoa, and some roasted sweet potatoes with sour cream mixed with roasted garlic, green onion powder, kale powder, and salt.

Beef Bacon

Got my grass feed beef today.  They didn't freeze the brisket.  The calf was small of half I got 167 pounds, which I think is enough for the 2 of us.  It fills 2 shelves of my 25 cubic foot freezer.  I figure the bottom drawer and shelf would equal one shelf together.  We definitely need to secure another one for next year. 

I created the curing brine after reading several different recipes this is what I went with.

Brine : Boil all
1 gallon mineral water (not tap)  I have a source of fresh mineral water.  http://houstonsmineralwater.com/
1 1/2 cup salt
1 Tablespoon peppercorns
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup white sugar

Then chill the water to 38 degrees!  Very important.  I read some where to test the mixture by seeing if an egg will float. 

I got 2 briskets because the person that wanted the other 1/2 beef wanted it all ground, so the butcher was able to give them some of my ground for their brisket.

Kristy's idea to use marbles in a bag.  I placed them on top of a couple plastic lids.

 I added the inverted jar lid.

Everything I've read says leave it for 5 - 7 days before smoking.  Rinse for 20 minutes, put in the fridge to let the outside dry to a film.