Baked Pork Chops

To make the brine, in a small saucepan, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Add the ice to the brine and cool completely.

In a large bowl or freezer bag, pour the cooled brine over the pork chops and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Remove pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with a paper towel. If the pork chops have a fat cap on one side, make small cuts into the fat to help them cook evenly.

To make the seasoning, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika. Apply the rub to both sides of the pork chops and massage it into the meat.

Place the seasoned pork chops on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 16 minutes.

Turn the oven to broil, and broil the pork chops, 4 to 6 inches from the heat, for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

Remove the pork chops from the oven and transfer them to a plate to rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the temperature to rise to 145°F.