A Casual Potluck on a Cold Winter Weeknight

Bundling up in layer upon layer of bulky, protective clothing and braving increasingly frosty temperatures this time of year can take its toll. At the end of a long day, nothing beats a steaming-hot, slow-cooked meal shared with family or friends and served in the cozy comfort of home.

Tomorrow I’m having a few friends over for a casual dinner. It’s a bit of a last minute potluck—when everyone chips in, it’s easy to accomplish entertaining on a busy weeknight. One guest has agreed to bring a Winter Salad and another is making Sticky Date Pudding (a personal favorite!) for dessert. I’ve committed to making this meltingly tender brisket. Slow cooking is perfect for a crazy weekday or a lazy Sunday afternoon: I can prep all the ingredients in the morning, throw them in the pot, leave them all day, and, eight hours later, do some final seasoning and serve up a hearty, satisfying meal. Accompanied by crusty French bread and good butter, this is sure to warm everyone up. I plan to use Leffe Blonde in the recipe and serve it alongside the finished dish. When the beer is presented in a chalice glass you can really smell the warm malt notes along with a hint of toasty caramel and spicy vanilla and clove—the robust, creamy flavor should pair nicely with the subtle sweetness of the beef.

The best thing about brisket? If there are leftovers, I’m all set for a few days of delicious sandwiches come lunchtime.