And Roast Suckling Pig ~~
Suckling Pig

may they continue to laden the groaning boards of Christians worldwide during their annual feastings in celebration of the birth of Christ, with apologies to none. “Pigges rosted” were served by King Richard II and the Duke of Lancaster at a feast they gave in the year 1387. Posted for Pig and Pork Saturday, which is also today, Christmas Eve.

Recipe for Roast Stuffed Suckling Pig

* 1 suckling pig (8-10 lbs), properly prepared by the butcher, including removal of the eyes
* 5 apples
* 2 large onions
* 1 quart bread crumbs
* 4 tbsp melted butter
* 4 tbsp chopped parsley
* salt
* pepper
* sage or ginger

Wash the pig inside and out with a weak solution of baking soda, paying special attention to the head openings and mouth. Pour water off and lay the pig in salt water for about 15 minutes. Dry thoroughly.

Rub the inside of the pig well with salt. If desired, pepper and sifted sage or ginger may also be rubbed on the inside of the pig.

Mix bread crumbs with peeled and finely chopped apples, onions, chopped parsley and melted butter. Add salt and pepper to taste and enough milk to moisten the mixture. Stuff the pig with this mixture.

Sew openings of pig together. Cover the legs and ears with oiled paper and tie the legs back. Put a corn cob, sweet potato or wood chunk into the pig’s mouth to keep the jaws open.

Place the pig into a roasting pan in very hot oven until brown; then reduce heat to moderate until done. Protect ears from burning with pieces of paper or foil. Baste frequently with plenty of fat. Do not allow any water or steam to form as it is likely to burst the skin and spoil the meat.

Put the peeled potatoes in the roasting pan around the pig about 3/4 of an hour before pig is done. The time required for cooking the pig is about 10 to 12 minutes per pound.

When done, insert a red apple into the mouth of the pig and place the pig on a larger platter on a bed of greenery. Surround the pig with potatoes and some baked apples. Fill his eye sockets with raisons and place a wreath of laurel around his neck.