Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

(fresh ham) 3 tb Minced fresh garlic pn Ground bay leaves Big pinch ground oregano Big pinch ground cumin 1 tb Olive oil 1/4 c Sour orange juice (or equal -parts orange & lime juice) 1/4 c White wine or dry sherry Fresh ground black pepper -to taste 2 lg Onions, sliced 4 ea Or 5 potatoes, peeled and -quartered can be placed -around roast during the last 1 1/2 hour of cooking - makes great browned potatoes!

Trim excess fat from roast and stick it all over with the tip of a knife.

Mash the garlic into a paste, then mash in the ground bay leaf, oregano, cumin & olive oil.

Rub this all over the roast.

Place roast in a big pan or dish (not aluminum), then

sprinkle with pepper and douse with sour orange juice and wine.

Scatter the onions over the roast, then wrap entire roast in plastic and refrigerate.

Marinate at least one hour or overnight (longer is better).

Turn the roast several times in the marinade.

Heat oven to 350.

Put the meat in a roasting pan (not aluminum), save the marinade, and place in the oven.

Cook for an hour, fat side down.

Turn roast fat side up,

add marinade and onions, and

heat to 325; tent loosely with foil if needed.

Baste frequently with the pan juices and continue cooking until done (30-35 min.

to the pound++150 minimum; 180 very well done).

Add water or wine if drippings begin to smoke or burn.

Let sit before carving.

Serve with Mojo Criollo.

Cuban Roast Pork (Lechon Asado)