To Corn Beef

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 quart coarse sea salt (formerly 'bay salt')
• 1 ounce saltpetre
• 4 ounces brown sugar
• additional salt, saltpetre, and sugar as needed
• meat

Directions

1. In a large container, combine 1 gallon of cold water, 1 quart of coarse sea salt, 1 ounce of saltpetre, and 4 ounces of brown sugar.

2. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved; do not boil.

3. If scum rises, scald and skim it off, then add more salt, saltpetre, and sugar as needed.

4. Rub each piece of meat with salt before placing it in the brine.

5. If the weather is hot, gash the meat to the bone and cover it with salt.

6. Place a flat stone or weight on the meat to keep it submerged in the brine.