Homemade Corned Beef Recipe

Boil water. Add salt and saltpeter, stir to dissolve and set aside to cool. Place brisket in a large crock, zipper-style plastic bag or other non-metallic container. Pour salt water over meat and add garlic , pickling spices and bay leaves. Meat should be submerged; use a weighted jar to hold meat under pickling solution. Refrigerate or set in a cool place for 3 weeks. Drain and remove bay leaves before cooking.

Note 1: Saltpeter is known commercially as potassium nitrate and is used to give the meat a pink coloring.

Note 2: Bottom round roasts may be substituted for the brisket for a leaner corned beef .

Source: Poughkeepsie Journal March 8, 1995 Reprinted with permission.