Set out a rimmed baking sheet and place the brisket on it. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ancho chile. Rub the spice blend over the entire surface of the brisket.
Smoker Method: If you have a smoker, use it! Place the brisket in a 225 degree F smoker. Insert a meat thermometer probe and smoke the brisket to 195 degrees F. *You can wrap the brisket in foil or peach butcher paper once it hits 150 degrees F to keep the cooking process from stalling.
Oven Method: If you don’t have a smoker, preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Set the brisket in the oven, insert a meat thermometer probe and bake to 195 degrees F. Either way, this usually takes 3 ½ - 5 hours, depending on the size and shape of the brisket. *You can wrap the brisket in foil or peach butcher paper once it hits 150 degrees F to keep the cooking process from stalling.
Once the internal temperature is around 190, prepare the sauce. Set out a 9 X 13 inch baking dish. Pour the barbecue sauce and Coca-Cola into the dish. Once the brisket reaches 195 degrees, remove it from the heat.
Use a serrated knife to cut the brisket into 1 inch chunks. As you cut them, quickly move them to the dish so that any juices that run out get mixed into the sauce. Once all the brisket is chopped, stir the pieces to coat in sauce.
Now place the pan back in the oven (or on the smoker) and continue cooking for 1 hour, until the sauce thickens and the exposed pieces of brisket of crispy. Stir and serve warm.
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Notes
The point-end of a brisket is sometimes called the Deckle. This end is more tender and fatty than the flat end. However, a flat brisket can also be used if you cannot find a Deckle. (When I make burnt ends from a whole brisket I use both!)How to serve: At a bbq joint, burnt ends would traditionally be served as an appetizer, or as the main dish of a barbecue plate with southern sides.