My sister, Julie, is a fabulous cook and has been making this recipe for Hanukkah for years. The recipe sounds so bizarre with apricot preserves, chili sauce and, oh my, sauerkraut? When I worked at Southern Living Magazine as a Food Editor, and I sent this recipe to the test kitchen, they were a little questionable about it. But when we discussed it around the taste-testing table (a long table that seats about 20), everyone gave it the highest rating possible. It is really delicious, although, I will admit, difficult to photograph so I added some photos from this year’s Hanukkah party at my house (that’s my son reading the prayer-yes I was proud). This recipe is ideal for Hanukkah or in the fall or winter months when you want something comforting, warm, with a touch of sweet and sour. And if you live in Birmingham, Alabama and don’t have time to cook brisket, head to Jim N Nick’s Barbecue on Highway 280-yum!
Sweet-And-Sour Brisket
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 31/2 to 4 hours
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
1 (5-pound) beef brisket, trimmed
1 (1-ounce) envelope onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (10-ounce) jar apricot preserves
1 cup water
1 cup chili sauce
2 (10-ounce) cans sauerkraut, drained
Preparation
1 Place brisket in a lightly greased roasting pan. Sprinkle with soup mix and next three ingredients. Spread preserves on top of brisket. Add 1 cup water to pan. Cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Bake, covered, at 350° for 3 hours. Uncover and pour chili sauce over brisket; top with sauerkraut. Cover and bake 1 more hour.
3. Remove from oven; let stand, covered, 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with sauerkraut and pan juices.
Loved the food and company at your house. Thank you for letting us join the Hanukkah party. It was a good time.
Thanks for being a part of it with us!