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Off topic Pig Roast

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Robert E. Smith

08-16-2005 17:16:46




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Hey Guy's I need some help!
My son is getting married on Sept.10th and were having the reception at my place! He wants me to roast a pig! and I've never done that before!
I have the propane roasted lined up and the 200 pound oinker being processed to be picked up on the 9th.
My question is has anyone got any advice for me on how to cook this thing? What time should I start cooking (Wedding is at 2pm follwed right after with the reception)
How long will it need to be cooked? What is the best way to season it? Anyone got any good recipie's?
The pig will be on a spik in the roaster and have been told I will need to wrap it in chicken wire? Is this the way it's done?
Thanks in advance
Bob Smith S/W Ohio

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Midnight

08-17-2005 07:04:47




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
I agree with Leroy, I do about about 5-6 pigs a year and I always want a 220-280. I cook it halfed and then I cut each halves into thirds, I flip it every 30-45 minutes and I sear it first with an additional propane burner 275-325 just long enough to brown it. Then propane is removed and then it's charcoal and either apple,cherry,or hickory for the next 6-9 hours depending on outside temperture. I try to keep inside cooker at 200-225. You have to be ready to get your middlin meat out of cooker after 3-4 hours or you're burn it up before you get your hams and shoulders done. I don't start basting until last hour or so. Then as the quarters get done I start boning and pulling and cutting. Some customers want it just pulled and some want it chopped and shredded. I like it any way, But do it a day ahead at least. Then I take my cooker to site and use it for warming pork and cooking whatever else is being served and man does it smell good and you don't have to mess with the mess and you can enjoy the DAY.

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GaryMA

08-17-2005 06:32:10




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
I used big hickory. Built a fire,hours in advance, just for the coals, next to the homemade rotisserie spit I borrowed. Shoveled coals under the pig and added wood to the "side fire" as needed throughout cooking. The spit was a 1 1/4 inch tool steel rod with bearings and gear attached. The rod sat in bearing caps welded atop two "pin adjustable" steel lolly columns. This allowed adjustment from the coals in 2 inch increments at any time. Two people just lift and one person changes the height and reinserted the pin at each column. The electric gear reduction motor was attached to the upper part of the lolly column with "U" bolts to allow for the chain installation. A sheet metal heat shield was also attached to protect the motor. I did use chicken wire and clamped the ends to the rod, glad I did because when we placed the pig on the foil covered plywood and opened the chicken wire the legs and cavity just fell to the sides and it was cooked perfect. 160 lbs. dressed / 6hrs about 30" above a constant 12" of coals. Basted with a long handled brush from a 5 gal bucket using OJ,cran,beer,and fresh rosemary. I know it never rains on wedding days so to keep the pig out of the sun have two A-frames made of 12' 2X4's with a 8'ridge across the top. Place one sheet of plywood 8" short of the peak and extend the other beyond the ridge. This allows the smoke out.Best of luck! Success with propane and you'll be on to hardwood in no time!

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Leroy

08-17-2005 06:10:44




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Our tractor club has a hog roast every year in April (I have not been around for the preperation) but I know they do the cooking at least 1 if not 2 days BEFORE the roast to be able prepair; shread and season; the meat and then keep it hot in electric roasters till time of meeting-dinner. If you go with your plan you will MISS the wedding as you will have to be taking care of the hog --- DO YOU WANT TO RISK MISSING THE WEDDING???? Get your hog no later that the 7th and do the cooking on the 8th so you can be at the wedding rehersal on the 9th and THE WEDDING ON THE 10th. By the way I will turn 62 on the 11th. And NO I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE IN YOUR PLACE IF YOU TRY TO DO IT THE DAY OF THE WEDDING BECAUSE YOU WILL BE IN BIG TROUBLE WITH THE FAMILY

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Leroy

08-17-2005 07:01:07




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Leroy, 08-17-2005 06:10:44  
No mater if you cook in the day of the wedding or earlier HIRE someone to do all the work with it the DAY of the wedding or you will never (60++ Years?) hear the end of YOU RUINED OUR WEDDING!!! are you prepaired for that? If not then no matter how you cook it DO NOT TRY the day of WEDDING or the WEDDING REHERSAL. HIRE that help. It will be cheaper than the grieff you will get if you try to do it yourself and miss most or all of the wedding or reception.

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Rauville

08-17-2005 05:13:05




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Your processor should offer to inject your pig for you. Most pork at the store contains 7% to 8% water, but for roasting I would go up to 20%. Add some spices if you think everyone else will like them.
For some external flavor, mix some half and half water and vinegar, add some soy sauce, cherry syrup and some Log Cabin syrup. The water will steam off, and leave the rest for a little added sweetness.
One unwritten rule about a pig roast is that everyone is welcome! If you hear about it, see it, or smell it, just show up with your drinks. So don't be surprised if you have some party crashers.

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Scotmac

08-17-2005 04:53:19




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Bob....if youu decide to throw some seasoning wood in, do NOT place it under the pig! A freind of mine was trying to "help" me out one time, and unbeknownst to me. slipped some green hickory right under the pig where all the grease dripped. A little later we looked out and the roaster looked like we threw an old tire in. Burnt the pig almost beyond recognition! Just place to the sides if you use any.

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Jimmy King

08-17-2005 03:32:43




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
I have eat pork several times and chicken once that was cooked in the ground, the meat just melted it your mouth. Get ahold of your University Extension Service and I bet they can advise you how to.



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Hal/WA

08-16-2005 23:02:02




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
My neighbor used to have a 3 day party every summer and part of his routine was to roast a pig. He did this overnight by building a big bonfire over a fairly big hole he had dug in the ground. When the bonfire was fairly well burned down, they would push all the hot coals into the pit. The hog was wrapped thickly with burlap sacks that were wired around the hog to protect the meat and a pipe was placed through the body cavity to lift it. At about midnight, they would put the hog into the pit and cover it with hot coals and then dirt over the hot coals. It would cook all night in the pit.

Late the next morning, the people would uncover the pit with shovels. The hog was lifted out by several people and put on a table to be unwrapped. It took awhile to cut off all the burlap, but the pork underneath was well done and very moist. It was then served with barbecue sauces, potato salad and other fixings. About as good pork as I ever had!

Now my neighbor had done this a number of times before and knew what he was doing. I don't think I would risk doing it a first time at something as important as a wedding. It might take longer than you expect, and pork should not be served unless it is cooked enough. I would practice first with another pig between now and then. 200lbs is a pretty good sized hog! Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

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bama bar - b - q

08-16-2005 22:20:51




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
we always cook the pig in the ground . southern style wolf



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doogdoog

08-16-2005 20:17:55




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Aloha, If you have never roasted a large pig before, I would try to find someone who has and have him there to assist you. There is nothing worse than to have a pig that is not fully cooked when eating time comes around. If the spit is the rotating type (rotisserie), then be sure to have the pig balanced on the spit or after hours of rotating unbalanced, parts of the pig may rip and fall off. The purpose of the chicken wire that some people use, is to keep the pig together if it gets too tender. The secret to cooking a pig is low heat and long hours and never a big fire. Remember, if you all start drinking your favorite loco juice, be sure to have someone sober to keep an eye on the pig in case you all pass out. LOL

Mahalo,
doogdoog

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buickanddeere

08-16-2005 19:51:57




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Start cooking earlier than you think required. It's easier to slow down and simmer the last hour than have hungry people wait to hours for medium pork. Flaming grease can be a problem. Plan ahead of you want to to put a blackened out crust on the hog. Some people roast a smaller more manageable hog. Add have a regular BBQ besides doing sausage and pork chops.



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P.K.Ouellet

08-16-2005 19:02:41




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Sounds as if you have the makings for a great reception. I am certain that you want this shindig to go very well. I have some things for you to consider. Since this is something new to you I would consider Harley's advice first, talk to someone locally that has done this or does this occasionaly. You might even consider hiring someone or having them on an electronic leash (cell phone) for advice as you go. When seasoning your hog take into consideration the tastes of your guests. A lot of salt additives may turn them off. Be gentle with your herbs and spices and have plenty of those condiments available for those that like to enforce the flavor prior to eating. You have received a lot of great advice but remember their tastes may not be the same as your guests. I understand you intend to use propane, which allows you to control cooking temperature easier than with wood (for amateurs anyway). That is a good decision for you. You might also consider as someone else mentioned, to add some hickory or other local hardwood to add smoke flavoring. I would suggest having several cooking thermometers on hand to ensure you cook fully, but not overcook your hog. If you intend on stuffing your hog with other meats or vegetables remember that this will add cooking time. You might also consider having several (quite a few for your hog) throwaway aluminum baking pans to place your cooked portions of meat into. You may have to slice some of the hog up as it cooks and place it into these allowing the rest of it to cook. Remember some portions will cook faster than others. Ask a local what special potion they use (normally sprayed on the meat) during the cooking process to prevent drying the meat. The best way to prevent that is slow cooking but it can be difficult if this is new to you. Which again, I recommend Harley's advice. Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful time. This has got my taste buds working overtime and I believe the least you could do is provide us with a photo or two of this event.

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Roger (OH)

08-16-2005 18:46:31




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
I roast mine over an open hardwood fire. It's on a rotating spit so I don't have to worry about turning it. If it's being prepped with the skin on (scadling) then you shouldn't need chicken wire. Get a buddy and two sharp knives and poke as many holes in it as possible. This allows the grease to work it's way out. If it's prepped with the skin off then go ahead and wrap it with the wire. Cooking time depends on what your cooking with. My fire is on the ground so my rule of thumb is one hour for every 10 lbs. of pig. I stuff the chest cavity with sweet sausage, onions, apples and garlic. I never mix meat, poultry and pork require different temps. to be well done and you don't want people getting sick. Sew the chest up shoelace style with butcher's string (no...it won't burn off), get some friends together, some adult beverages, and sit back and have a blast.

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Bilko

08-16-2005 18:45:33




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Correct me if i am wrong don"t used galvanized chicken wire. I belive it will make you sick. Thanks Mike



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Robert E. Smith

08-16-2005 18:28:37




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Also that 200 pounds is going to be dressed out weight.(approx.)
Glad I got two boys in the 800lb lift club at school!
Guess who will be doing all the lifting! hehheh!
Bob



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Robert E. Smith

08-16-2005 18:25:50




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Wow didn't expect so many responces so quick!
And I made the main page to boot!
I'll take this as a good sign guy's!
Thanks for the advice, yeah it is a big hog, thats what the slaughter house said I would need for 150+ people, were going to do some chickens also for anyone not into pork!
Sounds like I got my work cut out for me! and I long night ahead of me! better stock the cooler up!
Thanks again Bob

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Scotmac

08-16-2005 17:43:06




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Robert E. Smith, 08-16-2005 17:16:46  
Robert...a 200 pounder will dress out about 160 pounds or so. What I have done several times is quarter onions, apples and oranges to stuff the cavity with. I usually take a light wire and sew it up like you would put stitches in. These will absorb some of the grease and keep the juices flowing while the pig is cooking. Then I rub the outside with a mixture of Italian dressing, pepper, oregeno, and paprika. Use liberally and often while the pig is cooking. Allow six hours, but keep a couple of meat thermometers handy to poke in the hams after four hours. If you're using a lp roaster, set at 400 degrees. when the bones on the hams start showing, you're about there! Should'nt have to use the chicken wire!

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Bill in TN

08-16-2005 18:14:14




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Scotmac, 08-16-2005 17:43:06  
That's a fairly large pig, and will require a couple of men to handle it, especially when it's hot. I've done many, but always over a hickory fire. We wrap the pig in chicken wire and loop it on each end so you can get a metal bar through the loops on each end in order to turn the pig. While I like to do a smaller pig, as it's easier to handle, we don't cook ours near as hot as 400 degrees, but keep the heat low.

We start late in the day, just before dark, and start a fire out of hickory. We place the pig on an old army cot, and put a tarp about 3 feet over it, and make something like a lean-to. When the hickory burns down to coals we shovel it under the cot until there is a bed of coal about 2 inches deep. Add coals every 30 to 45 minutes, and turn every 2 hours. Keep the fire burning and plenty of bud on hand. We cook it all night and most of the morning and check the temp. to make sure the pig has reached 190 before serving.

Cook pork slow, on low heat or it'll dry out and turn hard.

The biggest thing, is to get the hair off and the pig cleaned properly. Again, that's a job that you will need help with. Scald the pig in hot water. If you can't keep your hand in the water until the count of 9 the water is to hot. Over nine and it's to cold. That's the unscientific way, not sure of the exact temp, but if you get the water right, the hair will just wipe off with out much trouble.

Your making me hungry just thinking about it. Have fun!!

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Bayou Dave

08-16-2005 18:02:49




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Scotmac, 08-16-2005 17:43:06  
You can also stuff the cavity with all your old ducks, quail, doves, etc. Season and toss them in, they will be done when the hog is. Blend pacante sauce, onions, seasoning salt, celery, and anything else you have in the cupboard, together in a blender using orange juice, or beer for a carrier, cut deep into the hams, tenderloin, and everywhere with a filet knife, and inject the mixture. Make at least a 1/2 gallon and get it all in the hog. Finished temp of the hams should be 154f. Try to throw some wood in to add flavor.

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Harley

08-16-2005 18:06:58




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 Re: Off topic Pig Roast in reply to Bayou Dave, 08-16-2005 18:02:49  
Enough Jim Beam and you won't care. But be careful here, you gotta get it done or your gonna have sick people. Might talk to somebody local and see how they do it. Seems like we put it on the night before when we have one for our bike rallys, but then again we have a LOT of Jim Beam. Git-er-done, Harley



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