Host a Hawaiian luau in your backyard with a roast pig.
In Hawaii before the reign of King Kamehameha II, men and women did not eat together for religious purposes. In 1891 the king abolished these traditions and celebrated by hosting a feast where the king and women ate together. This was the first luau, and although King Kamehameha II served other dishes at the first one, a whole pit-roasted pig became the traditional dish for these celebrations. If you want to expand your summer outdoor cooking horizons beyond the grill, try roasting a whole pig and inviting a bunch of people over to enjoy it with you. Does this Spark an idea?
Hawaiian Luau
A pit-roasted pig is the centerpiece of a Hawaiian luau, but you don't need to live in the tropics to host one in your own backyard. Decorate with tiki lamps, and drape palm fronds and fern leaves on the serving tables. Get some grass skirts and leis from a party supply store. Put on an Israel Kamakawiwo'ole CD, and encourage guests to try hula dancing. Teach the children make leis from flowers. Serve mai tai's, tropical fruit salad and macadamia nut ice cream topped with bananas.
Cochon du Laits
In Cajun country, a "cochon du laits," or young, suckling pig, is split along the backbone, stretched and tied to a wire grill and roasted over a trench filled with hot coals. The traditional side dishes for this Arcadian feast include dirty rice, cole slaw and roasted sweet potatoes. Serve the food buffet style on trestle tables covered with oil-cloth tablecloths. To echo that languid atmosphere of Central Louisiana, ensure there is plenty of cold, sweet iced tea, shade and comfortable seating. Add a zydeco band or music for dancing, and you'll think you're in a bayou.
Block Party
A roasted pig serves a lot of people and, once you get it started, it cooks without much fuss. This makes it a good choice for a busy block party on a summer day. Ask the neighbors to bring a side dish or dessert to share, and arrange the resulting smorgasbord of food on picnic tables. Provide a lot of cold drinks for a hot day. Spread blankets or rugs on the lawn for a picnic atmosphere. If you schedule the party for July 4th or Labor Day, you can round out the day with fireworks if they are allowed in your area. Design a T-shirt for the event, and rent an outdoor attraction like a bouncy castle, and you'll want to host the event yearly.
Tags: Hawaiian luau, King Kamehameha, leis from, women together, your backyard