New England Boiled Dinner

New England Boiled Dinner!

Just the thought of it takes me back to Maine and Grange Hall dinners

or Mom cutting up the veg in our kitchen to make it at home.

A most simple and tasty meal which, is easy to make and hard to forget.

President Grover Cleveland our 22nd and 24th President once smelled

 corned beef and cabbage coming from the servants quarters at the White House. It's said he asked to trade his dinner for that of the servants. After he partook of this meal he proclaimed it "the best dinner I had had for months.....this Boeuf corne ay cabeau!"

Start with a corn beef brisket. Add some water and spices.

Many briskets come with the spice package added but if your's doesn't

add

20 whole peppercorns

8 whole cloves

1 bay leaf

Bring to a simmer and then cover.  You will want to simmer this for approximately four hours.

You know it's finished when a fork goes through the meat easily.

Cut your potato's and carrots.

Slice your cabbage in quarters

and I throw in an onion for taste, but many New Englander's would say that just

"isn't done".

Raise your temperature just a bit and cook the veg on a high simmer for 30 or so minutes.

It really will depend on how chunky you make your vegetables.

Normally, you'd cut your corn beef into thin slices and serve the meal with mustard or horseradish.

Mac loves a huge hunk of meat for his serving.

How does he manage to stay so thin?

Mac always gives the New England Boiled Dinner two thumbs up!