Alright I need some Swine Help

twinsfan

is one Smokin' Farker
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It's been a long time since I've been on here, been busy. Just got back from eight days in the Carolinas (touring colleges) and tried some fantastic barbecue wherever I could, loved Allen & Son in Chapel Hill and Luella's in Asheville. Fell in love with UNC-Chapel Hill while there. loved the school!

Anyway, I've got my father's birthday coming up in a month and a half, and we've always done something small with only a couple family members. This time our family is thinking about doing something a little bigger, 20-25 people. And I immediately thought of doing a suckling pig as I've been wanting to do a whole hog recently. I have little clue about whole hogs and I'd really appreciate if you could answer any of my questions.

1. How big of a pig should I buy (and have some leftovers :razz: ) I was arbitrarily thinking of a 40 or 45 pound pig but I have no clue.

2. Where do you find a pig of that size up north? Our local butcher doesn't know the difference between back and spare ribs so I doubt he'd be much of help.

3. What's the average price for a whole hog (like per pound)? Just trying to factor out the cost of the party.

4. What do I cook such a thing on? The Caja Chinas seem like a little too expensive for a one time shot. Do I buy a COS? Dig a pit in the ground?

Although shoulders are easier, I'd love to do a whole pig, you know, it looks much more impressive. Now I need to try to convince the family we don't need to hire a professional to cook us a 125 pound hog :rolleyes:


Any guides or answers would be very much appreciated! Thanks again
 
20 to 25 people will call for a much smaller hog than 125 pounds. I'm thinking something around 40 to 50 pounds cleaned weight should do it. Good luck.
 
I admire your courage and enthusiam.
But, many of us do not try something "new" when our product is the centerpeice of a family or friends gathering.
Especially something as different as a whole hog cook :oops:
I have helped (and I emphasise HELP) cook a couple of whole hogs and there is a definite learning curve to get it right.
Even now, something I would not attempt on my own.

Jimmy Brod did a piglet cook and posted a great thread with pics here:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21673

Also, some great presentation ideas in his thread.

You might want to consider a small suckling piglet that will fit your existing cooker and do it primarily for "decor".
Have good ole butt or two pre-cooked and panned up for the bulk of the actual meat serving. Maybe some ribs also.
You could even pre-cook the butts and reheat while cooking the piggie for the crowd.

Just a thought while you learn to cook the whole thing well enough to depend on the results. :-D

TIM
 
I did a whole hog for my son's graduation some years ago. Very steep learning curve and would caution that it's tougher to do than I ever thought. Of course I didn't have the Brethren to fall back on for experience so I do think it's doable with some serious planning.

Good luck!
 
Thanks! It's just a consideration. I got almost two months to plan so I thought I'd ask earlier vs. later. I'll talk it over with family and see what we are gonna do. thanks guys!
 
I admire your courage and enthusiam.
But, many of us do not try something "new" when our product is the centerpeice of a family or friends gathering.
Especially something as different as a whole hog cook :oops:
I have helped (and I emphasise HELP) cook a couple of whole hogs and there is a definite learning curve to get it right.
Even now, something I would not attempt on my own.

Jimmy Brod did a piglet cook and posted a great thread with pics here:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21673

Also, some great presentation ideas in his thread.


You might want to consider a small suckling piglet that will fit your existing cooker and do it primarily for "decor".
Have good ole butt or two pre-cooked and panned up for the bulk of the actual meat serving. Maybe some ribs also.
You could even pre-cook the butts and reheat while cooking the piggie for the crowd.

Just a thought while you learn to cook the whole thing well enough to depend on the results. :-D

TIM


EXCELLENT ADVICE!!! :thumb:
 
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