My Carolina Kitchen
1 ½ quarts hot water
3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons freshly ground (coarse) black pepper
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bay leaves
½ of large lemon, sliced
Stir together all of the ingredients in a large stockpot until salt and sugar dissolve. Let stand 1 hour.
Adapted from Southern Living, yield 1 ½ quarts