1 gallon water
3 cups coarse kosher salt
1 6 1/2-pound bone-in pork shoulder roast (Boston butt), excess fat trimmed
3 large heads of garlic, halved crosswise
1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

1 large head of green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
1 pound carrots, peeled, cut crosswise in half, then quartered lengthwise

Fresh thyme sprigs
Spicy mustard
bacon, cabbage,

1 cup crumbs from brown soda bread or crustless whole wheat bread
14 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar

2/3 cup whole milk
1 3-inch piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise

2 large egg yolks

1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream

2 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, sliced
brown, bread, ice

Meringues
7 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder
2 large egg whites

Filling
1 1/4 cups chilled whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder

Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
coffee, meringues,