Braised Corned Beef

Directions

1. To make brine, place 2 quarts water plus the next 12 ingredients in a large 6-8 quart stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar and salts have dissolved, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat; add ice and stir until ice has melted. Place brine in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely. In a large bowl or shallow dish, add brisket and pour brine over beef. Cover, removing as much air as possible, ensuring brisket is completely submerged. Transfer to refrigerator; allow to rest for 10 days, agitating bowl occasionally to redistribute spices and liquid.
2. After 10 days, remove brisket from brine; rinse brisket thoroughly and discard brine. To braise brisket, preheat oven to 300°. Place carrots, celery and onions in large roasting pan; pour remaining 2 cups water into pan until water level is 1/2 inch high. Place brisket over vegetables and cover with aluminum foil; transfer to oven. Cook, covered, until very tender, 5-6 hours.
3. Remove brisket from roasting pan, discarding vegetables and cooking juices; tent beef with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Or, to slice for Reuben sandwiches, wrap corned beef well after cooling for 10 minutes; place in refrigerator and allow to cool completely overnight. Slice thinly against grain.