1pound hardwood charcoal per pound of pig (plus an extra 25 pounds just in case)Chimney starterNewspapers to start chimney fire and spread on a table5trash bagsA cleaned pig, ready for ...

Collaborative pig roasts are a fine idea. We bought the pig, our neighbors rented the spit. They also bought a couple of kegs of home brew. One friend brought a shade tent, and others some lawn games.

Turn the pig over, skin-side up, and roast for another 30 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Pour off the juice and serve it in a gravy boat.

But first, some information gleaned from an Internet search: A very young pig (a suckling pig, for example) won’t have the full flavor or marbling (fat) of a larger pig of about 45 or more pounds.

Cooking the pig: Let the pig come to room temperature. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Thoroughly baste every inch of the pig, including head, legs and tail with olive oil.