Crisp Roasted Pig's Head

Remove any hair on head by singeing over an open flame or plucking as needed.

Scrub well (using a vegetable brush, if desired) and then sprinkle with lots of salt, rubbing it into the skin.

Rinse well with cool water; pat dry.

Remove any excess fat.

Place head in a colander in the sink and pour a kettle full of boiling water over.

Let cool.

Combine the 5-spice powder, salt, bean sauce and bourbon.

Slash the meat on underside of head and rub half of the spice mixture into the meat.

Rub the remaining spice mixture onto the skin. Place head upright on a rack in a large baking pan.

Bake at 375℉ (190℃) F for 1½ hours.

Lower heat to 325℉ (160℃) and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours, or until the meat is cooked through, basting the skin well every 30 minutes with the honey-water mixture.

If ears begin to brown too quickly during cooking period, wrap them with foil.

When head is done, remove to platter and garnish with watercress or coriander.

Chop head into pieces and serve with sweet vegetable relish or plum sauce.