Beef Brisket

This is another one of my mom's awesome recipes. I've never made it for people when they didn't love it - it's awesome and turns out tender every time. Brisket is a more expensive cut of meat and this makes a lot, so make it when you have company or when you want leftovers to eat on for a couple days. The other tip I would give is to only buy this cut at a grocery store that has a butcher. In other words, not from Walmart. I always call my grocery store and tell the butcher that I need a 4-5 lb. brisket and ask him to trim it for me. They will get any fat cut off of it and have it packaged up when I get there. If you are local (Fort Smith area), I get mine from Harps or The Butcher Block. If you are from another area, look for a grocery store with a butcher or go to a meat market for this. You will get a better, more lean cut of meat that way. This is great served with lots of stuff - baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, slaw, baked beans, etc., etc. It cooks all day on low, so you can stick it in the oven before you leave and it will be ready when you get home - not to mention, your house will smell divine! Enjoy this one - it's a winner!

Beef Brisket

4-5 lb. Brisket (Fat trimmed off)
4 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
4 Tbsp. Liquid Smoke
Generous amount on both sides of meat of the following spices (rub into meat):
Celery Salt
Onion Salt
Garlic Salt
Paprika
Small amount (about 1/2 tsp.) Ground Nutmeg
2 good handfuls of Brown Sugar over top of meat

In a large baking pan (I use at least a 9x13), lay aluminum foil in bottom, double thickness. Season brisket with dry seasonings and lay on foil in pan. Pour worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke over brisket and top with brown sugar. Seal foil around meat and bake at 225 for 6-8 hours. When it's done and tender, allow meat to rest for a few minutes and then cut it in slices against the grain. Throw foil away, but reserve all the juices. Return sliced meat to baking pan with juices. Serve warm.

Chicken Pizza

We love pizza in this house. I like to make it homemade as much as I like the easy nights when we just order delivery from Papa John's. This recipe has been around forever - my mom started making it a long time ago and it's just a nice little change from the regular old sausage or pepperoni pizza that we have all the time. It's so much healthier and has a great flavor. It's great with a Caesar salad or just an Italian salad and garlic bread. Definitely one to give a try when you need a change from the same old-same old!

Chicken Pizza

2 Pizza Crusts (I buy the crusts that are ready to go from my grocery store - they come 2 per bag and they are really good)
2-3 Chicken Breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Small Onion, finely chopped
1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes (I usually buy the type that is seasoned with garlic and olive oil or something like that)
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Dry Basil
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2-3 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese to taste

Brush both pizza crusts lightly with olive oil and set aside. Saute chicken in olive oil with onion until chicken is cooked through. Once cooked through, add tomatoes, salt, basil, pepper and garlic powder and stir well. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes. Put 1/2 of chicken mixture on each crust. Top with cheeses and bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.