Setting Up

• 1). Prepare a suitably large, sturdy surface for carving the pig. A picnic table covered with several layers of aluminum foil will serve the purpose.
  
  
• 2). Lift the pig by its spit, and move it to the waiting table. This will require at least two people, and perhaps as many as six, depending on the size of your pig.
  
  
• 3). Remove the spit and any other wires, skewers or bindings from the pig. Bring three large cutting boards to the work area, along with a sharp knife, carving fork and a supply of disposable towels to wipe your work surface clean as you carve.
  
  
• 4). Cut away the crisp skin, or crackling, from the pig. This can be served out immediately to those of your guests who like it, or kept warm beside the coals until the rest of the pig is carved.
  
  
• 5). Allow the pig to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This provides time to finish making and setting out any sauces and side dishes.
  
  

Carving

• 1). Start by cutting away a foreleg and shoulder. Hold the leg on one of your cutting boards and slice the meat across the grain. Rotate the leg as you carve to get the meat from all sides. Wipe your work area with disposable towels as often as necessary to keep it clean.
  
  
• 2). Slice down along the backbone and then horizontally across the top of the ribs to free up a loin. Place this on your second cutting board, and slice it across the grain into neat, boneless portions.
  
  
• 3). Cut away a hind leg, and position it on your third cutting board. You may need a second person to hold this for you, depending on the size of the pig. Again, slice the meat across the grain to create a mound of portions on your cutting board.
  
  
• 4). Have your guests start seating themselves, then break the ribs from the backbone or cut them away with a sterilized saw, or pair of sterilized pruning shears. Separate the ribs and divide them between the three cutting boards. Do the same with the soft, fatty belly meat.
  
  
• 5). Fill serving platters with pork from all three cutting boards, and either have them served out or place them where your guests can serve themselves. Send your sauces and side dishes to the tables along with the pork.
  
  
• 6). Repeat the same process on the other side of the pig. Leftovers can be packaged and frozen for later use.