1. In a large stock pot, bring 4 cups of the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the salt, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, juniper berries, orange zest and 1 of the rosemary sprigs until the salt and sugar dissolve. Add the remaining 12 cups of water and let the brine cool to room temperature. Add the pork chops and let stand at room temperature for 2½ hours. Drain the pork chops. Pick off the spices and pat the chops dry.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Heat a large ovenproof skillet until very hot. Add the oil and the pork chops and cook over high heat, turning occasionally, until crusty and brown on both sides, about 10 minutes.

3. Stand the pork chops upright in the skillet and add the remaining rosemary sprig. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chops for about 35 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone registers 140°. Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes; reserve the pan drippings.

4. Using a boning knife, cut the pork chops between the bones, then run the blade along the bones to separate the meat. Transfer the pork chops and bones to plates, spoon the reserved pan drippings on top and serve. —Jessica Applestone and Joshua Applestone

SERVE WITH Roasted potatoes.