Basic Pork Brine

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, thyme, juniper berries, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper, and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Use immediately. Makes about 6 1/2 cups, or enough for 4 to 6 pork chops.

Step 2

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Grill Master, by Fred Thompson (Weldon Owen, 2011).