Specialized pig roasting equipment can be expensive; save money by making your own spit.
You have a crowd to feed and a pig but lack the--as of early 2010--$379 to $1,295 to purchase specialized equipment to cook the pig. No problem. Through a simple procedure it is possible to build a spit.
Spits are rods that hold meat over a flame and are made from either wood or stainless steel. They are easy to make and only require a small amount of time if you choose a stainless steel pole that can cook both large and small pigs. And don't forget to make a support system to hold the spit. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Purchase a 1 3/4-inches-in-diameter stainless steel pole that is longer than the pit. The pit should be 1 foot wider on every side than the pig. So if your pig is 3 feet by 2 feet your pit will need to be 5 feet by 4 feet. On each side of the pit you will need a support system of two side posts in the shape of a "Y" to hold the spit over the heat.
2. Measure and mark the mid-point of the pole. Mark off every 2 inches three times on one side and three times on the other.
3. Drill 1/4-inch-wide vent holes at all of the marked points to encourage heat flow.
4. Clean the pole before pushing it through the pig.
Tags: stainless steel, feet feet, hold spit, pole that, stainless steel pole, steel pole