Do any of you guys brine your pork butts? If what is a good brine for it?
I have brined butts using this recipe:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pulled-pork-recipe/index.html
I don't always brine them, but when I do they turn out great.
I like to brine most pork and poultry when I have the time.
Alton's method is good because you don't have to heat to dissolve and then cool.
I modify it as follows.
Put the meat in your container of choice. Add sufficient water to cover. Remove the meat and measure how much water was required. Modify the ingredient quantities for the amount of required water if necessary.
Put the meat into the freezer for about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, mix up the brine using ice water and put it in the fridge.
My problem with Alton's method is putting the meat into not-too-cold water in a cooler. The cooler will keep the brine/meat temp from dropping, even in the fridge.