Stick the glazed brisket back in the oven for just 10 extra minutes and what you end up with is that same tender piece of meat but now with a crispy, flavorful bark on the outside.

Glaze timing: Apply glaze during the final 30 minutes or so of cooking. Any earlier, and the sugars might burn. Reapply glaze every 10 minutes or so to build up a beautifully sticky exterior.

The icing, just powdered sugar, water and a bit of vanilla, makes a thin crackly glaze after sitting a bit. Food coloring is optional, but Red Hots (cinnamon imperials) are a must among the ...