Pig Roast!!
I got to participate in a pig roast...
A friend of mine recently had a farm wedding. I was invited as a guest but ended up joining two local chefs on the catering team : ) We were talking about the menu and the pig roast was mentioned. I was so excited and asked if I could participate in what I knew would be an amazing culinary adventure! My guest status was exchanged for pig roast assistant and I could not have been happier!
The roasting area consisted of three prep tables set up in a U shape. One table for meat shredding, one table of supplies and one table that held a massive electric griddle for frying up the fat for chicharrones. A giant wood box was off to the side in the back and contained the pig. The first thing I learned is that there is a huge grate of coals that go on top of the pig. I had assumed the coals were only underneath the pig. It was so hot and took two people to remove when checking or turning the meat.
Before turning the meat the fat has to be sliced and salted to help the rendering process…
Flipping the pig was exciting and smelled amazing…The meat is encased in a metal cage making the flipping process easier. It was hot and heavy and we wore special orange gloves for protection. It was so much fun!
When the roasting was complete the pig was put on the designated prep table. The two chefs began shredding the meat by hand. I knew it was extremely hot so I asked about their painful method. They explained it was faster and easier than using utensils and you just had to move fast.. It was impressive to watch.
My station was the intimidating and gigantic griddle. As the chefs shredded I was given all the chunks of fat to fry up for the chicharrones. It was very hot and sizzly with popping grease everywhere..I got a few minor burns but it was well worth it for the experience : )
We got to sample everything first and one of the chefs cut out the cheeks, the best part of the pig, for us to enjoy. It was juicy and hot and delicious. I realize I use the word hot many, many times in describing my day but…LOL! It was a pig roast, it was hot! I feel so thankful to have been included in this process. I learned so much and will never forget this cooking adventure.
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