Corned Beef and Cabbage

 
Ingredients~
4 pounds lean raw corned beef brisket
3 tablespoons pickling spice (often included with brisket)
1 medium rutabaga, halved and cut into wedges
1 pound large carrots, cut into 4 inch pieces
1 1/4 pounds large fingerling potatoes
1 leek, white and light-green parts only, cut into 3-inch pieces
1/2 head savoy cabbage, cut into wedges
1/3 cup horseradish, drained
1/3 cup creme fraeche or sour cream

Directions~
First, place the corned beef into a large slow cooker and scatter the pickling spices on top. Layer the rutabaga, carrots, potatoes and leek in the cooker. Add enough hot water (4 to 5 cups) to cover the meat by at least 1 inch. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 7 to 8 hours. Remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and keep it warm. Put the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish with 2 cups cooking liquid from the slow cooker, cover and microwave until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, boil another cup of cooking liquid in a small skillet until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Mix with the horseradish and creme fraeche in a small bowl. Slice the corned beef and serve with the slow-cooked vegetables, cabbage and sauce. Reserve about a quarter each of the meat and vegetables and 1 1/2 cps cooking liquid for Corned beef Hash.