Stout-Brined Rack of Pork

In a large bowl or pot, stir the salt and 2 qts. (8 cups) water until the salt dissolves. Stir in the beer, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup vinegar untilthe sugar dissolves. Add the pork to the brine; cover and refrigerate 16 to 24 hours.

Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven; preheat to 350°. In a small bowl, mix the sage, oil and 1 tbsp. pepper; rub all over the pork. In a roasting pan, arrange the pork with the bones facing each other, crisscrossing in the center of the pan. Roast 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in another small bowl, whisk the remaining 1/3 cup maple syrup, remaining 1 tbsp. brown sugar, remaining 1 tbsp. vinegar and the mustard for the glaze.

Brush the pork with some of the glaze. Continue roasting, brushing with more glaze every 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork (not touching bone) registers 135°, about an hour more.

Let rest, tented with foil, until the thermometer registers 140° to 145°, at least 10 and up to 25 minutes. Cut between the bones into chops.