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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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« Nutella Doughnuts
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Pig On Fire!

June 8, 2014 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

My Pete turned 50 a little while ago.

It’s been a very low key affair. Rather than a large party, we’ve had a fortnight of lunches and dinners with close friends. I had to smile – I organised Pete’s 21st nearly three decades ago, and several of the folks who are now celebrating his 50th with us had been there.

Last night, Kevin, Carol, Nic and PeteV came over for dinner. We’ve all been friends since uni – it’s such a joy to have so much shared history! That morning, I’d announced that I wanted to go to Petersham to buy a terracotta pig. I’d seen them on my travels with Allison, and they were just too cute for words. They’re filled with drinking alcohol, set alight and chorizo sausages are then cooked over the flames.

Pete was, of course, sceptical – “Babe, that’s $22 for the pig, and then another $30 for grappa – all to cook $2 chorizos?”

However, he indulged me and off to Petersham we traipsed. And even he had to admit that it’s hard resist a face like this one…

I believe this is a Portuguese tradition – does anyone know if they also use these in Spain and Brazil? The chorizos are partially sliced so that they fan out a little when grilled, allowing the flavour of the alcohol to infuse the meat…

Our little piggy has a very satisfyingly round belly…

That night, we filled the pig with cooking rum (Pete drew the line at buying expensive alcohol for burning), placed the sliced chorizos on top, and set it on fire. It was spectacular, but we used far too much alcohol – the flames leapt up six inches in the air and, as the pork fat dripped into the the fire, the room filled with smoke. I had extinguisher and fire blanket on hand.

I opened the door to the hallway…and immediately set off the smoke detectors. It was certainly theatrical! But it was enormous fun, and the charred chorizos were absolutely delicious…

We bought our terracotta pig at Charlie’s Deli in Petersham, but they’re also available in the Portuguese butchers on the strip. They’re probably best used outdoors (she adds, sheepishly).

It’s a long weekend here in Australia – hope you’re all enjoying it as much as we are!

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Posted in Food & Friends, Recipes | 94 Comments

94 Responses

  1. on June 8, 2014 at 11:28 am Jody

    What a great way to spend a birthday and belated happy birthday to Pete. Glad to hear the house didn’t catch on fire too:)


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:54 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Jody! You and me both! :)


  2. on June 8, 2014 at 11:28 am Liz Posmyk of Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things

    Hi Celia, this is such a delightful post… it’s a beautiful thing that you organised Pete’s 21st and now a little get together for his 50th. Love the pig, love the theatre of it all. Methinks this little piggy is an outdoors piggy… take care and have a great long weekend.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:55 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Liz, it was hysterically funny – our friends were trying not to cough in the smoke, the exhaust was on, doors were open..and the smoke detectors were going off! Outside next time! :)


  3. on June 8, 2014 at 11:28 am theintolerantchef

    Happy birthday to you Pete! I hope you had a wonderful time with family, friends and such yummy food :)
    I love your little piggy Celia, he’s so very cute- and definitely a talking point! Xox


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:55 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Becca, I think you need one, he’s so adorable!


  4. on June 8, 2014 at 11:59 am Joanne T Ferguson (@mickeydownunder)

    G’day and Happy Birthday Pete!!! Is priceless Celia you and pete still have your friends from decades ago too!
    I LOVE your terracotta pig and will definitely be on the look out for one!
    Cheers! Joanne


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:56 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Jo! He really is the cutest little pig (the terracotta one, not Pete!) :D


  5. on June 8, 2014 at 12:26 pm marilynscottwaters

    Okay that is adorable. I’ve never seen anything like it. Happy Birthday to your handsome hub! <3 Maz


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:56 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maz, that’s impressive from a vegetarian! And thank you.. xx


  6. on June 8, 2014 at 12:33 pm sallybr

    Celia, how cute! First, a Happy MIlestone Birthday for Pete! Brought tears to my eyes knowing that you manage to have friends from the 21st still there for the big occasion.. so much can change in three decades!

    I must say I have never seen this cute pig thing in Brazil, so it must be something that stayed in the “Mother Land”, and never quite made it to the colony ;-)

    apart from pigs and chorizo and grapa – the most amazing and beautifull and wonderful thing is the love you keep going between you and Pete – that is the real magical thing… “MY Pete” says it all. Yes, he is yours, and you are his. Perfect.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:57 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you darling! I didn’t even realise I’d written “My Pete” until you mentioned it! :)


  7. on June 8, 2014 at 2:28 pm Jane @ Shady Baker

    Love this, I have never seen these alcohol pigs before, sounds like fun! x


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:57 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, they’re so cute, but definitely an outdoor pig! :)


  8. on June 8, 2014 at 2:30 pm Three Well Beings

    What a delightful way to turn ordinary chorizos into an event! I have never heard of this method nor seen such a delightful little cooking utensil. It’s wonderful to have friends that have known us throughout the many decades of our lives. We had dinner Friday night with two couples we’ve known for more than 40 years. I’ve known the two women since we were in second grade…almost 50 years. :-) It sounds like Pete had a very special birthday! Wonderful!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:58 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Wow! 50 year friends are a life achievement indeed! Congratulations!


  9. on June 8, 2014 at 3:41 pm Madge

    Love love it. Happy Birthday to Pete.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:58 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Madge! xx


  10. on June 8, 2014 at 3:49 pm ladyredspecs

    I have long regretted having never bought tabletop terracotta chorizo grills when I was in Portugal. Everywhere we ate, the chorizo was served this way. Good to know they are now available here. Who needs birthday candles when you have a flamin’ pig. Happy birthday Pete!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:58 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sandra, you’ll need to take a trip to Sydney to Petersham – although I’m pretty sure you’d find one in Melbourne! :)


  11. on June 8, 2014 at 4:01 pm Tandy | Lavender and Lime

    This sounds like loads of fun! Birthday blessings for Pete xox


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:59 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Tandy! He’s the most wonderful man, and he really did have a lovely time!


  12. on June 8, 2014 at 4:25 pm Elizabeth

    What a great night that sounds like and an interesting way to cook chorizos! thanks for sharing!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:59 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Liz, it was all a bit insane, but huge fun! :)


  13. on June 8, 2014 at 4:26 pm Debra Kolkka

    Happy birthday to Pete. I love that pig


    • on June 13, 2014 at 6:59 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Deb! Hope all is well, sorry I haven’t popped in for a week or so – I’ve been a bit under the weather..


  14. on June 8, 2014 at 4:31 pm lambsearsandhoney

    That half century is certainly worth marking, no matter how you do it. And I think flaming snags is as good a way as any!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:00 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Pig on fire! They were absolutely delicious too! :)


  15. on June 8, 2014 at 4:43 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Happy Birthday Pete!! And what a hilariously fun way to celebrate. I wouldn’t have been able to resist either :)


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:00 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks darling! Road trip to Petersham next! :)


  16. on June 8, 2014 at 5:30 pm Rose

    Well nobody will forget the pig and the smoke alarms in a hurry. Happy 50th Pete, you child.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:01 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hahaha…I’ll let him know you said that, he’s feeling like an old man at the moment! :)


  17. on June 8, 2014 at 5:44 pm teawithhazelteawithhazel

    what silly sausages :) happy 50th pete..xx


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:01 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Silly, but DELICIOUS, sausages! :) Thanks Jane.. x


  18. on June 8, 2014 at 6:26 pm Suelle

    Your post title certainly grabs the attention! I’ve never heard of this cooking method – it looks rather dangerous for indoor cooking, but probably works well outdoors.

    Happy birthday, Pete!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:02 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Suelle, best done with fire extinguisher and safety blanket on hand! :D


  19. on June 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm Kylie Pickett

    Celia, this post is hilarious! How funny…and a birthday your husband is not likely to forget. Love the idea behind the pig though, and I LOVE chorizo’s! Happy Bday to Pete!!! xx


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:02 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Kylie, it really was just too funny! I’m trying to figure out how we can do it again, without smoking us out. I think it really will have to be outside! :)


  20. on June 8, 2014 at 8:07 pm gourmetgetaway

    Awww…that’s sweet! The idea of the “pig on fire” is amazing. I bet it won Star of the Night on Pete’s birthday, stealing the stardom :). Happy birthday to the husband and great job to the wife!

    Julie
    Gourmet Getaways


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:02 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Julie, you’re always so kind, thank you! :)


  21. on June 8, 2014 at 10:16 pm MamaD1xx4xy

    Happy belated birthday! What a fun way to celebrate. That pig looks great and what could go wrong with alcohol and chorizo?!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:03 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hahaha…that’s so true! Add some cheese, and you’ve got the perfect combo!


  22. on June 9, 2014 at 12:30 am Stefanie

    Happy belated birthday to Pete and I love the pig, very cute and what fun! How wonderful that you have those friends, very special indeed.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:04 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Stefanie! We’re very blessed to have such close friends. PS. I got a text from Moya yesterday, she had a gorgeous baby girl a month ago! :)


      • on June 15, 2014 at 11:27 am Stefanie

        Oh that’s lovely news :) I’m very happy for them thanks for letting me know x


        • on June 17, 2014 at 6:22 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          Most welcome! She sent me a lovely photo of her two girls – both looking incredibly well and happy! :)


  23. on June 9, 2014 at 1:43 am no1ladykay

    They do use these in Spain Celia although I have never seen any myself. My brother-in-law & his girlfriend were just on holiday in Nerja, Andalusia. They were cooking/eating on these in their facebook photos. Their pigs looked just like yours. Maybe its a new thing??


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:04 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I think that’s right – I read somewhere that it’s a newish trend in Spain, but it’s been around in Portugal forever.. :)


  24. on June 9, 2014 at 5:17 am narf77

    Happy birthday Pete, another one into the 50 club :) I spent the weekend raking an acre of oak leaves from our elderly neighbours front yard. Her house was the original Auld Kirch Church manse from 150 years ago and has an amazing view of the Tamar River so when I got too tired to rake, I could always stand and look at the view. I certainly know I am 50 today! Love that image of the pig on fire and that choritzo being char grilled. I hope Pete survives his fortnight of gustatory delights. Sounds like he is at least being moderate on the cooking alcohol ;)


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:05 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ooh Fran, take it easy! :) And yes, Pete drew the line at buying a bottle of Grappa just to set it on fire! :)


      • on June 13, 2014 at 4:40 pm narf77

        I think a bottle of Grappa would certainly have set PETE on fire if he had decided to drink it ;)


  25. on June 9, 2014 at 6:05 am Garden Correspondent

    This looks like great fun!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:05 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Siobhan, it was a hoot! :)


  26. on June 9, 2014 at 7:15 am Jo

    Happy birthday to Pete! What a way to celebrate!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:06 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Jo! It really was so much fun!


  27. on June 9, 2014 at 9:02 am hotlyspiced

    Happy Birthday to your Pete! I also organised my husband’s 21st birthday party because his parents were OS (they went for 10 years when he was 18!) I’ve never seen or heard of these pigs but like you say, what a fun evening with smoke detectors going off and leaping flames. I would have been in hysterics xx


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:06 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Charlie, thank you! Oh you’d have laughed – we all did! :)


  28. on June 9, 2014 at 11:42 am TIFFIN bite sized (@TIFFINbitesized)

    What a story! As soon as I saw the first picture of the pig I thought ‘That would be a cute way to serve chorizo’, never knowing that’s exactly what it’s for. I suspect you didn’t actually use too much alcohol. The dripping pork fat and smoke are no doubt part of the effect so yes, outside next time. Great gift idea too.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:07 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      See Fi, we did a test burn before dinner, and thought, “oh look, doesn’t that flame burn nice and cleanly” without realising that, of course, we’d be dripping fat into it from the sausages! It was definitely a facepalm moment! :D


  29. on June 9, 2014 at 5:55 pm Chica Andaluza

    Belated greetings!


  30. on June 9, 2014 at 5:56 pm Chica Andaluza

    Oops – I hit “send” too soon :( Never seen these in Spain but I love the idea!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:07 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Chica! I think they’re a new trend in Spain – maybe you’ll see one soon! :)


  31. on June 9, 2014 at 8:25 pm Sophie33

    Happy belated birthday to you Pete! :) What a fun kitchen pork gadget! I am sure that it works fine & roasting chorizos is such a treat!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:08 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sophie, thank you! It was really so much fun, and so cute that I can’t bring myself to put him away, so he’s still sitting on my kitchen bench!


      • on June 13, 2014 at 7:49 am Sophie33

        He is wacthing you! 😀


  32. on June 9, 2014 at 8:37 pm Lynette

    Love that pig! Happy Birthday Pete!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:08 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Cuz! Lots of love to you all!


  33. on June 9, 2014 at 10:10 pm Karen

    It sounds like a pig on fire made for a memorable 50th celebration. A belated happy birthday to Pete.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:08 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Karen, it was hilariously good fun! Thank you!


  34. on June 10, 2014 at 3:31 am Anne @ Life in Mud Spattered Boots

    You used too much alcohol Celia? Surely not.
    Sounds like fun.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:09 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Honestly Anne, I do wonder what you think of me sometimes.. :D


  35. on June 10, 2014 at 4:56 am tableofcolors

    What a great story…one that certainly has a little drama :) Happy birthday to your Pete!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:09 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Laila! I’m just grateful nothing else caught fire! :)


  36. on June 10, 2014 at 9:18 am Madge

    These pigs are used in Spain as well. My Portuguese friend, who does not speak a lot of English told me that her daughter made one in Primary school in Portugual. I think she was saying that most children in Portugal do and they also make the lovely little wine jugs. I doubt the politically correct police would allow it in schools here.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Madge, remember when we were younger and our clay projects at school were often an ashtray? Those days are gone too.. :)


  37. on June 10, 2014 at 1:53 pm Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen

    Now that’s an unforgettable evening, from the flaming chorizo setting off alarms.. to the conversation between friends of a lifetime! You’ve surely lived your lives with the right priorities so far.. loved ones, friends and food! Cheers to the next 50!!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Barb, we’re seriously blessed to have such fabulous family and friends! :)


  38. on June 10, 2014 at 3:34 pm Lisa the Gourmet Wog

    yup, pretty hard to resist that cute piggy face! Happy 50th to your Pete, here’s to the next 50 ;)


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Lisa! Another 50 would be nice! :)


  39. on June 10, 2014 at 8:05 pm fergie51

    Another awesome inspiration! Might have to try this too.


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:11 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maree, hope you find one! :)


  40. on June 10, 2014 at 9:05 pm Jan

    This little piggy cried “we, we, we wants one”! What fun – a celebratory conflagration. It must have caused much laughter Celia. Was the chorizo a cooked one? Happy birthday to Pete and how lovely to celebrate it with such long standing friends,


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:12 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, yes, the chorizo was a presmoked/cooked one, so we really just had to make sure it was hot through before serving, which the pig really was perfect for! And thank you! :)


  41. on June 11, 2014 at 11:15 am Vita

    God that’s hilarious. Not sure I’ll try that one, But thanks for sharing!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:12 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’m glad it was hilarious and not disastrous! :D


  42. on June 11, 2014 at 6:41 pm sherry from sherryspickings

    oh that is so funny and what a cute pig!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:12 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Sherry! He really has the cutest little face, but when he’s on fire, he can look a bit devilish! :)


  43. on June 13, 2014 at 1:23 am dishnthekitchen

    that is adorable! and what great entertainment to sit around the piggy fire and watch your chorizo cook. I’ve never seen one before…thanks Celia!


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:13 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Bernie, it’s the maddest thing! I’d looked in the window of the deli several times and seen it, but it wasn’t until I got chatting with the owner that I knew what it was for. Pig on fire! :)


      • on June 13, 2014 at 9:02 am dishnthekitchen

        It’s the best kind! ;)


  44. on June 13, 2014 at 6:22 am EllaDee

    I added one of these pigs to my [lengthy] virtual wish-list a while ago and suggested to the G.O. a visit ‘one weekend’ to Petersham, as I assumed it the likeliest place I would find one. And, a good excuse to stop and have lunch. Looks like fun, and yummy :)


    • on June 13, 2014 at 7:14 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      ED, the butchers sell them in Petersham as well, but the cutest ones are definitely at Charlie’s Deli! :)


  45. on June 15, 2014 at 2:15 pm Sally

    That’s it. I want one. Strangely enough, can’t buy this in Dubai!


    • on June 17, 2014 at 6:19 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      You can’t buy a specialised pork sausage burner in Dubai? Funny that.. :)



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