Posted on November 27, 2025
Hey friends,
Four years ago we did something crazy: we swapped the turkey for a brisket on Thanksgiving. Everyone thought we’d lost our minds. Now it’s the most-requested dish of the year, and the boys literally count down the days until “Brisket Day.”
This year’s star weighed in at just over 16 pounds (Costco prime packer — thank you, Lord, for meat department angels). Here’s the whole journey from cryovac to carving board:
Into the pellet smoker she went at 4 p.m. Wednesday night, set at 225°F with cherry wood pellets. Wrapped in butcher paper at 165°F around 9 a.m., pulled off at 205°F about 3 p.m. today, then rested wrapped in a towel until dinner. Total cook time: 17 hours of pure smoke therapy.
The table went silent for a solid five seconds when the first slices hit the platter. Then it was pure chaos — forks flying, “pass the brisket” echoing, and four boys who suddenly forgot they “don’t like meat with fat.”
We started this tradition because turkey felt stressful and brisket felt like worship — low and slow, patient, trusting the process. Four years in, it still the best decision we ever made for Thanksgiving.
From our smoky, grateful, slightly greasy kitchen to yours — Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with good food, loud laughter, and the quiet reminder that the same God who multiplied loaves is still multiplying love around our tables today.
Now excuse me while I go fight my children for the burnt ends.
With a full belly and an even fuller heart,
Mom
CT Nutritious Family Kitchen
P.S. For anyone brave enough to try brisket next year. You won’t go back to turkey — promise. 🐮🔥
