Braised Corned Beef with Maple

4 pounds premium corned-beef, desalted

1 cup maple syrup

(optional 1/4 cup bourbon)

1. Place desalted brisket on rack in roasting pan and bake at 325°F uncovered for half an hour.
2. Reduce heat to 275°F, cover, and bake 2 hours. Uncover, discard all but 1/2 cup liquid, add maple (and bourbon), and continue baking and basting frequently for 1 hour more.
3. Save liquid as table sauce.