La Caja China

Pigs. There seems to be a cultural and culinary revolution happening around our farm friends these days. A new product comes out every week. Bacon-themed wallets, bacon-flavored chocolate, and festivals celebrating heritage breeds. Then, there's the challenge of roasting an entire pig, which few brave souls actually attempt. The roasting process is a true art, mastered in various forms by various cultures across the globe. Living up to that tradition is a culinary feat! And in the darkest days of winter, one can't help but think about trying (or at least mustering up a winter BBQ). If you happen to be in this camp, one Miami-based company has shared its secret in the form of a box, La Caja China. This excuses you from digging a pit in your backyard, by the way. Developed for everyday use by Cuban American Roberto Guerra, La Caja China emulates the old world street food of Havana. It’s simply a large roasting box with the heat source on top (for easy additions of charcoal) and a grease trap on the bottom. Because the box is metal-lined, cooking times are generally cut in half. Don't let its simplicity fool you, the box was crafted with scientific precision to produce the right amount of heat in the right amount of space for the right amount of meat. Call a farmer, call a butcher, call some friends and get started. Oh, and let us know how it goes.