The Right Stuff

• Choose the best cut of brisket for the slow cooker. For example, fattier types aren't best for this cooking method. Instead, choose brisket that's labeled as "flat cut" or "first cut." A 3- to 6-pound boneless roast is ideal, depending on the size of your slow cooker. Plain, blackstrap molasses is often used in sweet brisket sauces. However, for a Middle Eastern touch use pomegranate molasses instead of the black type, perhaps paired with pineapple or apricot juice.

Sweet Sassy Molassy

• You can certainly dump all of the brisket ingredients into the slow cooker individually, but in order to better adjust the taste before cooking starts, first prepare the molasses sauce. The sauce's base can consist of wine, beer, beef broth, chicken broth, vinegar, water or juice, or a blend of two or more of these ingredients. For every 8 parts liquid, whisk in about 1 part molasses. Add additional flavor notes to this mixture such as spoonfuls of brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste. Include dried herbs and spices such as pepper, kosher salt, bay leaves and thyme.

A Basic Browning

• Browning the brisket in a sturdy skillet will get the dish off to the best start. This step, while not necessary to ensure thorough cooking, adds extra depth of flavor and seals in the meat's juices. After heating a spoonful of oil on medium-high heat, set the brisket in the pan and allow it to brown on all sides for 3 to 4 minutes each. You may have to hold the roast upright with tongs for part of this process to keep it steady. After you remove the brisket, set peeled, chopped onions and garlic into the skillet, adding additional oil as needed, and brown them in the roast's juices.

The Crock-Pot Collection

• Setting the browned brisket on a bed of vegetables, or surrounding the roast with them, will not only provide a side dish when the brisket is done, but can infuse the meat with additional flavor. Options include cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, diced bell peppers and diced celery. After you've added the brisket and the vegetables, pour the browned onions and garlic over the roast. The last stage includes adding the molasses-spiked sauce to the slow cooker. The liquid should come up to about half the height of the slow cooker.

Simmered Sweetness

• After you cover the slow cooker and plug it in, set it to "HIGH" or "LOW" depending on the cooking time. For example, when cooked on the low setting, the brisket will take about 8 hours. On high, it can cook in as little as 5 hours. If possible, turn the brisket at least once during the cooking process. When it is fork-tender, the brisket is ready to remove. While the brisket rests on the carving board, strain the sweet-savory molasses cooking liquid and season it to taste. This liquid can go into a gravy boat, or you may prefer to spoon it directly over the sliced brisket.