Brined Brisket | Rachael Ray

Pat the meat dry and pierce it all over on both sides with the tip of skewer or small, sharp knife tip.

In a large, 2-gallon, re-sealable plastic bag, combine 3 quarts of icy water, bay leaves, orange, Worcestershire, parsley and black pepper. Bring remaining 1 cup of water to a boil and add the salt to dissolve. Add salt water to icy brine. Add the meat, then remove all the air and seal the bag. Place on a tray in the fridge and weigh the meat down under a second tray to keep it submerged. Refrigerate for 1-2 days.

To cook, remove the meat from the brine and pat dry. To a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil and meat, and brown the brisket on all sides. Remove meat to a plate and add butter or olive oil to pan to melt. Once it foams, add onions, thyme and chicken stock. Bring to a bubble and add brisket back. Cover, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 ½ hours. During the last 45 minutes of cooking, add whole carrots, cover and keep cooking. 

For the gremolata, on a large cutting board, finely chop the orange zest, parsley, carrot tops and toasted almonds together. 

Remove the vegetables to a warm platter, then slice the meat and top with the stock to keep moist. Serve topped with gremolata.