Millionaire Brisket with Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce

I found this outstanding recipe while searching for BBQ tips and variations. THIS GUY has some of the best!!! Try this one, you won't regret it!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup kosher or sea salt
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons pure chili powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (5 to 6-pound) center-cut piece of brisket
• 6 slices bacon
• Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce, recipe follows
• 4 to 6 cups hickory or apple wood chips, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, drained

Directions

Make the rub by placing the salt, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, pepper, onion powder, and oregano in a small bowl and stir to mix.

If your brisket has a thick layer of fat, trim it to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Place the brisket in a roasting pan and generously sprinkle both sides with the rub, using about 3 tablespoons per side and patting it into the meat with your fingertips. The leftover rub can be stored for several months in a jar. You can cook the brisket right away, but it will taste better if you let it cure in the refrigerator covered for at least 4 to 24 hours.

Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium-low. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke then reduce the heat to medium-low. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium-low, then toss 1 cup of the wood chips on the coals.

When ready to cook, place the brisket in the center of the hot grate, fat side up, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Drape the bacon slices over the top of the meat, and then cover the grill. Cook the brisket until very tender, 5 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches about 190 degrees F. Generously mop or baste the meat on both sides with the mop sauce. Wrap the brisket in aluminum foil, and continue cooking until done. If using a charcoal grill, every hour you'll need to add 12 fresh coals and 1/2 cup wood chips to each side.

Transfer the grilled 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. Spoon the barbecue sauce over the meat or, better yet, serve it on the side.

Mop Sauce:

• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 1 cup coffee
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce, (recommended: Tabasco sauce)
• 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and whisk to mix. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, if necessary.

Fresh Skillet Vegetables

Try this along side grilled chicken, steak, or fish. WAY better than a boring baked potato!

1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 large zucchini, cubed
2 large red and/or yellow bell peppers, cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook zucchini, red peppers, onion and garlic, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.

Add basil and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

To serve, sprinkle with cheese.

Peyton Manning would LOVE these.

I found this recipe on everyday food to continue my collection of football friendly recipes. I promise to start with regular "meals" next week. Can you tell I am excited my team is in the SuperBowl????

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen

• 2 pounds (about 60) mini hot dogs
• Cheddar cheese, cut into small pieces, optional
• carmelized onions, optional
• 1 large egg
• All-purpose flour, for work surface
• 1 box (17 1/2 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Poppy, sesame, or mustard seeds, optional
• Mustard, for serving
• Ketchup, for serving

Directions

1. Cut hot dogs lengthwise 3/4 of the way through. Insert a piece of cheese or 1/2 teaspoon caramelized onions into each hot dog, if using; set aside. If not using cheese or onions, poke hot dogs several times with the tip of a knife.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, working with one sheet of puff pastry at a time, roll into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into seven 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 rectangles, each about 3 1/2 inches long.
3. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water; set aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside. Place a hot dog on the narrow end of one piece of pastry. Roll to enclose, brushing with some of the beaten egg to adhere; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining hot dogs and pastry. Brush the tops of puff pastry with egg and sprinkle with seeds, if using. Transfer to refrigerator and let chill for 15 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
5. Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake until puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving with mustard and ketchup.