4 lbs pork belly, cut into portions about 4 1/2 by 3-inches each .
4 sprigs fresh thyme .
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste .
4 1/2 c chicken stock .
2 c orange juice .
2 c orange juice .
2 carrots, coarsely sliced .
1/2 tsp whole allspice .
2 celery ribs, coarsely sliced .
4 whole cloves .
For the glaze .
For the pork .
1/4 c light brown sugar
Directions
Step #1 Adjust oven setting to broil.
Step #2 Using a sharp knife, diagonally, score the fat side of the pork belly, & season this with salt & pepper on all sides, rubbing the salt & pepper into the scored parts of the flesh.
Step #3 Place the onion, & celery in the bottom of a large roasting pan & put the pork belly, carrots, scored side up, on top of the vegetables.
Step #4 Broil until golden brown, about 10 mins.
Step #5 Turn the pork flesh side up & continue broiling for 5 more mins.
Step #6 Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
Step #7 Turn the pork back to the scored side up & add the chicken stock, thyme, 2 c of the juice, light brown sugar, cloves, & allspice to the roasting pan.
Step #8 Cover up with foil wrap & bake for 2 hrs.
Step #9 After 2 hrs, then loosen the foil wrap to make a little steam vent & bake for another 2 hrs or until the meat is very tender.
Step #10 While the pork is braising, prepare the glaze.
Step #11 Start by using a fine wire-meshed sieve to strain any pulp out of the remaining 2 c juice.
Step #12 Combine the juice & 3/4 c of sugar in a medium saucepan & bring mixture to a boil.
Step #13 Reduce heat to a gentle boil & cook this until the glaze is thick & syrupy, about 30 to 40 mins.
Step #14 Remove the pan from the oven & let the pork cool slightly in the braising liquid.
Step #15 Adjust oven setting to broil.
Step #16 Remove the pieces of pork belly from the braising liquid & pat dry.
Step #17 Using a pastry brush, baste the pork belly on all sides with the glaze.
Step #18 Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil wrap & broil for 4 to 5 mins, or until crispy around the edges & golden brown.
Step #19 Drizzle pork belly generously with any remaining glaze & serve as soon as possible.