THREE GRILLED GAME HEN RECIPES

You can fit about 10 22oz hens on your 22" Weber Kettle.

JUICE CAN CORNISH GAME HENS

For each game hen you will need:
1 lunchbox size can of juice, paper removed
1 half gallon ziplock bag
jam (the same flavor as the juice)

Remove paper from juice can. Pop top of juice can, and pour 2/3 of can into a zip lock bag, saving remaining juice in can. Add 1 cleaned Cornish game hen (Parson's Nose removed) to bag, seal and refridgerate 4 to 6 hours, turning every hour. Refridgerate juice cans.

Set up grill for indirect heat, as described HERE. Remove hens from bags, rub with salt and pepper. Discard juice. Carefully slide juice can into the cavity, opening facing up, so that top of can is completely inside cavity, but at least half the can sticks out. Arrange hens over drip pan breast side up, so drumsticks and cans face coals. Cover and grill about 60 min, basting with marmalade/jam 3 or 4 times in the last 20 minutes.

Remove hens to cutting board, and carefully remove cans. Cut in half by inserting a heavy knife into cavity and cutting along backbone. Turn and cut along breastbone. Each hen serves two.

BBQ GAME HENS

Marinade (enough for 4 hens)

1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 minced garlic clove
1 minced onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 to 4 canned chipotle chilies, chopped

Mix together all ingredients and chill for several hours in a covered jar. Shake well.

Split hens in half, as described above. Place halves in a non metallic dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refridgerate 3 hours, turning pieces at least once.

Grill directly over coals, searing each side for 3 minutes. Place skin side down, cover grill, and cook 15 min. Turn pieces, baste with your favorite BBQ sauce, and cook for 10 min. Baste again and remove to platter. Serves 8.

GRILLED HONEY-LIME GAME HENS (from Weber)

Marinade:
1/2 cp Lime jc.
6 Tbls Oil
4 Tbls Honey
4 tsp chopped, fresh Thyme
4 tsp chopped, fresh Rosemary
2 clove Garlic, minced
**************
4 Cornish Game Hens
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/8 tsp ground Black Pepper
2 Tbls chopped fresh Cilantro


Halve hens as directed above. Place in large ziplock bag and pour marinade over top. Seal, refridgerate for 2 hours, turning bag frequently.

Set up grill for indirect heat. Remove hens from bag and reserve marinade. Rub pieces with salt, paprika and pepper. Place skin side down over drip pan and cover grill. Cook 25-30 min, or until juice runs clear. Remove hens to platter.

In sauce pan, heat reserved marinade to a boil. Allow to boil for one minute. Pour marinade over hens. Spinkle with Cilantro. Serves 8

This dish goes really well with herbed rice, or black beans and rice.