Jodi Jacobs

For the longest time, brisket intimidated me. Every time someone explained how they cooked theirs, it sounded like a lot  — special equipment, constant checking, tending a smoker for hours. And while I love good food, I just didn’t have the time (or energy) to baby a piece of meat all day. So I avoided brisket altogether. Then one day it finally clicked: it doesn’t have to be that difficult. You don’t need a smoker. You don’t need to hover over it. Brisket can be a set-it-and-forget-it  kind...

A great French dip is all about simple, bold flavor. Tender beef piled onto crusty bread and served with a warm, rich au jus for dipping turns an everyday sandwich into true comfort food. Making it at home means using real ingredients you trust—no packets or fillers, just beef, broth, and seasoning. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. One bite, one dip, and it’s easy to see why this sandwich never goes out of style.

There’s something special about homemade au jus that store-bought versions just can’t match. When you make it yourself, you’re starting with real ingredients—pan drippings, broth, herbs, and time—letting natural flavors do the work instead of relying on packets or preservatives. One of the biggest reasons to choose homemade au jus is simple: you know exactly what’s in it . No mystery ingredients, no artificial flavors, and no unnecessary additives. Just honest, nourishing components you’d...