Porkapalooza

[cjdatt]

A friend and I are throwing a fundraiser for charity in which we cook up a whole bunch of pig in a bunch of different ways then have a big party and charge at the door. BUT i need some inspiration for the dishes. Ideas?

[porker]

I realize that with one or two pigs, the tail won't go far with 60 people, however...
I'd suggest buying a pail of salt-cured tails from a Caribbean grocery, bring them to a boil in clean water, simmer for 20 minutes, change water (to get salt out), repeat (change water two times total - you could do this ahead of time). Drain, then grill over charcoal (keep them moving so you don't burn them on a fat fire).
A delicious treat and a somewhat interesting addition to Porkapalooza.

[sbp]

Trying to stay away from repeating your prior menu (which was great), as well as dishes that don't sit well or overcook too easily:

Albondigas - hispanic meatballs
Ramen in pork broth/dashi
Fresh, homemade fried pork rinds
Homemade bacon BLT sliders
Red Cooked Pork shoulder (five spice powder and soy braise, with bok choy and black mushrooms).

[Monch]

For inspration, you might consider finding a way to see Anthony Bourdain's "Cajun Country" episode.

They used everthing but the oink and the pistol slugs Tony administered to the guest of honor.

[cjdatt]

nice!

[Dirtywextraolives]

I assume you're getting a whole hog or two for this?? So you need ideas for all the parts??

Sweet & spicy glazed pork belly - since your bellies won't be smoked & cured, might as well use te best part of the pig for this. Note, you need to dry rub them in spices & kosher salt for a day first, then braise in some fresh oj & chicken stock for about three hours, then glaze with the spice mix combined with the fresh oj and some maple syrup. It's heavenly.

The obvious spare ribs, shoulder roast for carnitas, you can even use a few different parts to make a phenomenal porchetta roast.
Crispy pig tails & pig ears
Use the jowls for guanciale! But if you have no time to do ahead, I'd braise them & serve with a pasta or in a ragu
Put the trotters in a soup
Put the hocks in a smoker and shred into some slow cooked collard & turnip greens

Obviously a lot of this has to be done ahead. Sounds awesome though!!

[cjdatt]

Is fun to have the whole hog - an embarrassment of riches! Thanks for the ideas - especially on the more "interesting" parts!

[Dirtywextraolives]

You bet!! Enjoy it!!

[Tara57]

Carnitas

[John E.]

I recently made a recipe using slab bacon. Michael Voltaggio created the recipe and used it to win an elimination challenge on Top Chef.

http://www.bravotv.com/foodies/recipes/braised-pork-belly-with-soy-mustard-sauce-and-peanuts

These cookies are chocolate chip with dried cherries and bacon. They are really good.

http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/re...

[katecm]

How many people? What sort of amenities? A whole pig broken down or just pieces? Is there a grill handy? Smoker?

[cjdatt]

I've got a whole pig, already broken down. We did it last year and had about 60 people. We host it in a bar and bring in chafing dishes/warmers to hold food. Last year the menu was:

Pulled pork sandwiches
Asian pork meatballs
Spiced pork empanadas
Cuban pork hash
Pork curry with mango

Coleslaw two ways
Chips
Cut veggies
Quinoa salad

Peanut butter & bacon truffles
Bacon & bourbon pecan brownies
Chocolate chip cookies

We can grill & smoke on site as well.

[katecm]

I'd consider picking a theme. Last year's menu looks great, but is a pretty "around the world" type thing. If you focused on a region, then you could also gin up support for next year, when you could choose another reason. Asian, Southwestern, French, American BBQ, etc.

[bbqboy]

You should probably ask for this to be moved to home cooking.