Guinness Corned Beef with Cabbage

INGREDIENTS

• For the Corned Beef
• 2 bottles Guinness beer (or other dark beer)
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 3 1/2 pound uncooked brisket for corned beef, rinsed well and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon pickling spice
• 1/2 onion
• 1 head garlic, halved
• For the Vegetables
• 1 head cabbage
• 1 big spoonful of lard or bacon drippings (you can substitute simply with just cooking oil)
• a few carrots, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1 pound of red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced fresh parsley