Beef Brisket

1 3- to 4-pound fresh beef brisket
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
Dash salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 medium onions, chopped
1 – 71/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
1/2 cup port wine
1 envelope regular onion soup mix
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
2 bay leaves

1. Trim excess fat from beef brisket; sprinkle meat with seasoned pepper and salt. Place flour in a large oven cooking bag and shake; add brisket. Set the bag in a roasting pan.

2. Combine carrots, celery, onions, undrained tomatoes, wine, soup mix, basil, and bay leaves; pour atop brisket. Close bag; cut slits in top of bag and seal the bag.

3. Roast in a 325 degree F oven for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until tender. Remove bay leaves. Slice meat across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Skim fat from pan juices; serve with meat. Makes 12 main-dish servings.