This is the recipe, from 'Joy of Cooking', that I use: 4 quarts hot water 2 cups coarse salt 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons pickling spice 1 1/2 teaspoons saltpeter Mix above ingredients, and let cool. Pour over 5 lbs. piece of brisket or other cut. Add 3 cloves garlic, and weigh down to keep submerged. Cure in refridgerator 3 weeks, turning every 5 days. To store, wash, dry, wrap in heavy paper, and hang in a cool, dry place. Tom http://members.tripod.com/CH_ili