Slow Cooker Turn the slow cooker on to low to pre-warm while preparing the ingredients. Put the corned beef into the pre-warmed slow cooker. Scatter the onion, carrots and bay leaf around the meat.

Add sufficient cold water to cover the beef. Cover with the lid. Cook on low for 7-9 hours (it is not recommended to cook this on high).

Stovetop Option Place corned beef, onion, carrots and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Add sufficient cold water to cover the beef. Simmer, covered for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until tender.

Turn off and leave the corned beef to cool in the liquid for 2-3 hours. At this stage the corned beef can be well-wrapped and refrigerated overnight.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a deep-sided baking tray with foil. Place the meat on the prepared tray.

Stud the beef with the whole cloves. Mix the brown sugar, mustard powder, cinnamon and allspice together with the lemon juice and spread half of the mixture over the beef.

Bake in the preheated oven for hour, basting occasionally with the remaining glaze. Serve with your favourite vegetables.