Freezing brisket?

[chefMolnar]

In Wednesday's Times Joan Nathan says I should make my brisket several days before the Seder and freeze it. The brisket I make is a pretty traditional Ashkenazi one with plenty of sauce, onions and carrots, etc. and wine. I usually do everything Joan tells me to (well, almost everything) but I'm wondering--is this a good idea? Will there be a negligible difference in quality from making it a day ahead?

[chefMolnar]

Thanks for the advice. I will be making my brisket on Wednesday and slicing it on Thursday. But just out of curiosity--bottom line, is there a significant decrease in quality if you freeze it?

[hotoynoodle]

i freeze braised meats all the time. as long as the reheat is gentle i discern no difference.

however, i agree with the others that the brisket can definitely be made 3-4 days ahead to solve time-crunch issues.

[magiesmom]

yes, I agree, as long as it is frozen in its sauce and thawed and reheated slowly, no problem.

[valerie]

Here is the article. Personally, I don't freeze it, not because quality is sacrificed, but more because I cook it, cool it, slice it and arrange it back in a dutch oven so that it is ready to go straight into the oven the day of serving. Can't really fit my LC dutch oven in the freezer!

But, I do make extra and portion that out for the freezer for my kids to eat down the road, and the quality and taste is still good when it comes out of the freezer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/din...

[latindancer]

I like brisket that's been allowed to rest for @ least 24 hrs...
The flavors infuse.
However, I don't think I'd ever freeze it. Is there an explanation for that method from Joan Nathan?

[magiesmom]

I don't think quality increases from freezing. Are you sure she does not mean just make the day before seder simpler?
I think brisket is best 48 hours after it is cooked, so I would make it Wed for first seder, personally and would slice it thurs and keep in gravy ready to re-warm Fri.

[chefMolnar]

Yes, this was an article about making the day before the Seder easier. So I was wondering if there would be a significant decrease in quality from freezing it.