Well, I've decided to try my hand at curing a corned beef. I am following Alton Brown's recipe. I also read Jim's Happy St. Patty's thread on how he made it. (who knew flat from point?).
But in my search for all my ingredients I hit the wall at saltpeter. Went to the local market and there was none. When I made an inquiry at the courtesy desk, I was met with hesitation as to why I would want such a product. Another supermarket and another suspicious inquiry.
Called several pharmacies and they wanted to know what I needed it for or how do you spell saltpeter (oh that's easy P-O-T-A-S-S-I-U-M N-I-T-R-A-T-E. Hello? Hello?). Another call to another pharmacy and after being put on hold I was told they don't have it and they can't get it.
Finally, I thought: where can I get something that no one seems to have, is banned in several countries, has quelled the libido of men on the high seas for centuries and is utilized in making explosives?
I know. When you need anything from weaponry to patio furniture there is only one place to go.... Amazon.
And there it was was. How much do you want? 4 oz.? One pound? 5 pounds?
Anyway, after some more reading I ended up getting 1 lb. of Instacure #1. When it arrives, let the brining begin!
I'll update with some pics during the process as well as the finished product.
P.S. in Alton Brown's How to Make Corned Beef video on YouTube there is a funny sketch between Alton Brown and his pharmacist when attempting to purchase saltpeter. I saw it after my experience and had a nice laugh since it had a ring of truth that I could relate to.
But in my search for all my ingredients I hit the wall at saltpeter. Went to the local market and there was none. When I made an inquiry at the courtesy desk, I was met with hesitation as to why I would want such a product. Another supermarket and another suspicious inquiry.
Called several pharmacies and they wanted to know what I needed it for or how do you spell saltpeter (oh that's easy P-O-T-A-S-S-I-U-M N-I-T-R-A-T-E. Hello? Hello?). Another call to another pharmacy and after being put on hold I was told they don't have it and they can't get it.
Finally, I thought: where can I get something that no one seems to have, is banned in several countries, has quelled the libido of men on the high seas for centuries and is utilized in making explosives?
I know. When you need anything from weaponry to patio furniture there is only one place to go.... Amazon.
And there it was was. How much do you want? 4 oz.? One pound? 5 pounds?
Anyway, after some more reading I ended up getting 1 lb. of Instacure #1. When it arrives, let the brining begin!
I'll update with some pics during the process as well as the finished product.
P.S. in Alton Brown's How to Make Corned Beef video on YouTube there is a funny sketch between Alton Brown and his pharmacist when attempting to purchase saltpeter. I saw it after my experience and had a nice laugh since it had a ring of truth that I could relate to.
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