braised brisket with cranberries... 4 hours and 30 minutes

the goods:

3 pounds beef brisket, fat rimmed to a 1/4-inch layer
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup dry red wine
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries
1 bag (1 pound) frozen pearl onions



Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in lowest position. Season brisket with salt and pepper. Heat a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high. Add brisket, fat side down. Cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer brisket to a plate.



Add flour to pot, and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add broth, wine, bay leaf, molasses, half the cranberries, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.



Return brisket to pot, and cover. Transfer to oven; bake 3 hours.
Stir in onions; cover and return pot to oven. Cook 30 minutes more.
Stir in remaining cranberries; return pot to oven. Cook, uncovered, 30 minutes more.



Discard bay leaf before serving.