I like experimenting with different foods and adapting them to my own tastes. These hens are one of my specialties, an entree I concocted by combining a few different recipes. The moist meat has a pleasant grilled flavor that’s accented with cloves and ginger.
—DAVID BARUCH WESTON, FL
PREP: 15 MIN. • GRILL: 50 MIN. • MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated fresh gingerroot
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, green onions, minced parsley, grated ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
2. Rub mixture under the skin and over the top of each game hen. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper inside the hen cavities.
3. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan.
4. Place hens breast side up over drip pan; grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 45-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 180° and the meat juices run clear.