Pig-Pickin' Explained

                                             

Last evening I posted I was going to a friend's house for a pig pickin'.  I received several comments that some really didn't know what I was talking about.  I really had a good laugh from some of the questions and statements.  Hopefully, I can help clarify things a little and one day, maybe someday, you might come to North Carolina for a pig pickin or some of our fantastic barbecue.

 

A pig-pickin (or pig roast) is usually a party or gathering of friends which involves barbecuing a whole pig on an open grill.  There's usually a lot of testosterone involved in this grilling.  It's definitely a man thing.   Some communities have cook-offs competing for prize money of who can prepare the best barbecue from the pig. It's very popular to have pig pickin's when tailgating at college football games and political rallies.   

                  

This party was catered, so a big grill was brought in to cook the pig.  Hardwoods are added usually to produce coals to slowly cook it.  Sometimes hickory wood or some other hardwood is added to flavor the smoke which enhances the flavor or the meat. 

Tables were set up outside our host's home to hold all the fixings and sides for our barbecue.  We had barbecued chicken along with the pork barbecue, hushpuppies (fried cornmeal occasionally flavored with onion), coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and loads of desserts, sweet tea, and lots of beer!

Our fire felt really good.  It really was quite chilly and then quite cold as the evening went on.

Isn't her riding ring to die for. My daughter brings Ace over here from time to time or she rides one of their horses.  It is just beautiful back off the beaten path.  What I found out very quickly at this party was either you were a horse person or you were a tennis player ~ that's where all the conversation seemed to be.  So ... my husband and my daughter's boyfriend were very quiet.   


            People in North Carolina are crazy about their barbecue.  Eastern North Carolina's barbecue has a vinegar and pepper based sauce. Western North Carolina uses sauce with a tomato base similar to traditional barbecue sauce.  Some families and restaurants make their own sauce.  And mercy ... don't ask them for the recipe!  They will eye you down like a hawk and quietly say ... "this is a secret sauce, been in the family for years"..
                     
                                       There is a North Carolina barbecue trail from eastern North Carolina to Tennessee with 24 historic barbecue pits.  These eating establishments still use the old fashioned pit cooked method and the best of the barbecue you will find anywhere. 
                                              

                                                      

This is what you want right here ~ a good plate of everything whether you're pig pickin with friends or you stop in for a plate or sandwich along the way. 

I hope your week gets off to a really good start. Thanks everyone for all your comments. I find you are some of the most interesting bunch of people and I just love to hear from you.  ~ Debi