Expert: BBQ Woman - 6/3/2010

Question
Hello!! I am going to be cooking two 50-60lb pigs on a spit for my boys graduation party at the end of June.This is my 1st time with pigs on a spit and I was wondering about tying them to the spit.I've been reading everywhere on line and alot of people recommend wrapping it with chicken wire.I know I dont wanna use wire thats been galvanized so my question is,can I just use the skewers I made from stainless steel welding rods and tie everything together with heavy cotton butchers string,keeping it well basted with butter and garlic?I understand the pigs will shrink when cooking and I dont want them to fall off.Any help "will be greatly appreciated"!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Answer
Hi Eric,
I agree with you I wouldn't recommend using anything galvanized. I think your idea is pretty good if you just use your home made stainless skewers and then some stainless wire to secure it. I was looking for a picture as an example and could only come up with this one so I hope it helps you see where you need to secure it with the wire.
I would just secure it in more places if needed and not use the butchers string at all. Foil the parts of the pig that are getting done quicker and you will be pretty set.
Basting it is good. Since its a graduation party and I am sure you will have volunteers to help you set up a 'pig' station with some knives to have a few people help chop it up. I also just leave out a variety of different sauces and buns and keep it buffet style.  
On a side note there are baskets and stainless fence #food grade# that you can purchase to roast pigs as well however I think the most cost effective and most rewarding are the ones a person makes themselves. Feel free to ask me any more questions and let me know how your sons big day turns out.
Happy Graduation!
Regards,
Misty