Herbed holiday brisket

Step 1

Fill a 1-quart FoodSaver Vacuum Seal Bag with 1 cup (130 g) fresh cranberries, and another with 1 bunch each of fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary.

Step 2

To seal the bag, turn the latch on the FoodSaver to the open position and open the lid. Place the open end of the bag into the Vacuum Channel (Drip Tray) and close the lid. Turn the latch to the Operate position. Press the Vacuum button to begin the vacuum and sealing process. The motor will continue to run until the bag is fully vacuumed, then will automatically seal. When Seal indicator light turns off, turn the latch to the Open position, open the lid and remove the bag.

Step 3

Repeat with the other bag, then place in the freezer until ready to use.

Step 4

Make the seasoning rub: Open the vacuumed-sealed bags of frozen cranberries and herbs and add ½ cup of the cranberries, 2 tablespoons each of the thyme, sage, and rosemary leaves, and the garlic cloves to a food processor. Pulse for 1–2 minutes, or until everything is finely chopped. Add the olive oil and blend for 10 seconds, or until well combined.

Step 5

Make the brisket: Place the brisket on a plate and cover evenly with the seasoning rub and then place inside a 1-gallon FoodSaver Vacuum Seal Bag allowing for at least 3 inches of space between the contents and the open end of the bag.

Step 6

To seal the bag, turn the latch on the FoodSaver to the open position and open the lid. Place the open end of the bag into the Vacuum Channel (Drip Tray) and close the lid. Turn the latch to the Operate position. Press the Mode button (on the left side of the lid near the Seal Button) until Moist is illuminated. Press the Vacuum button to begin the vacuum and sealing process. The motor will continue to run until the bag is fully vacuumed, then will automatically seal. When Seal indicator light turns off, turn the latch to the Open position, open the lid and remove the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.

Step 7

When ready to cook the brisket, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.

Step 8

Cut below the seal of the brisket bag, releasing the vacuum seal and remove the brisket.

Step 9

Place the brisket, fat-side down into the cast iron pan and sear for 4–6 minutes, until a thick, golden crust forms. Repeat with the remaining sides of the brisket, then transfer to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallot and remaining ½ cup cranberries to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the shallot is soft and starting to brown. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and salt and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the braising liquid over the brisket.

Step 11

Scatter 2–3 sprigs each of thyme, sage, and rosemary around the brisket and cover the baking dish tightly with foil.

Step 12

Transfer to the oven and bake until the brisket can be pierced with a fork with little to no resistance, 3–3½ hours.

Step 13

Slice the brisket against the grain into ¼-inch slices and serve with the braising liquid ladled on top.

Step 14

To save leftovers, place with the brisket in a FoodSaver zipper bag and seal according to the instructions in step 6. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Step 15

Enjoy!