Crockpot Apple and Brown Sugar Corned Beef ***

Well, we just finished our annual St. Paddy's Day meal, and it was a winner as usual. This makes the 7th year that we've had the same thing for SPD, and since we only have it the one time a year, it's always like a treat for us. The kids are always impressed that it's a "real Irish meal," lol. From the 9-year-old's first bite, he was thanking me for making it again and saying it was the best Irish meal he'd ever had. Again, remember that he also thinks that it's the only Irish meal he's had, so take it for what it's worth. We all devoured it, though. The sweetness of the apple juice really makes the whole thing. It even cuts the strong flavor of the cabbage, which is nice, even though I'm normally a big cabbage lover. This is just a nice change of pace and something exciting to look forward to every year. Plus, it's a one-dish meal, which totally rocks too. :)  The only difference I want to make is that it never has enough meat to leave leftovers for lunches.  Next time, I think I'm going to do two small briskets and cut back on the veggies some.

CROCKPOT APPLE AND BROWN SUGAR CORNED BEEF
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Recipezaar)

1 corned beef brisket
1 quart apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
8 small red potatoes
2 medium carrots, pared, and cut into chunks
1 onion, peeled, and cut into eighths
1 small head cabbage, cut into chunks

Place all ingredients in a large crock pot (cut meat in half if necessary); stir to mix.
Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
Remove meat and vegetables and some of the cooking liquid.
Slice meat thinly across the grain.
Serve with vegetables and some of the liquid.