Month: January 2016

Day: January 6, 2016

CORNISH HEN WITH A MEDITERRANEAN GARLIC SPICE RUB

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INGREDIENTS

  • 2 celery ribs, cleaned and chopped in large pieces
  • 1 large sweet onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 lime or lemon, juice of
  • 4 Cornish hens (roughly 1 lb to 1.5 lb each)
  • 2 cup chicken broth

For the Spice Rub

  • 15-20 garlic cloves
  • 2½ tsp seasoned salt
  • 2½ tsp hot paprika
  • 1½ tsp ground allspice
  • 1½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 lemon or lime, juice of
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the garlic spice rub ingredients in food processor. Run the processor until you achieve a pasty spice mixture or rub.

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Now to each of the hens, apply the spice rub generously on the outside and in the cavities. Lift the skins and apply the spice rub underneath (this is the key to flavor).

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Heat a lightly-oiled cast iron grill or skillet. Turn the the heat to medium-high and brown each of the hens on all sides. Set the hens aside momentarily to cool.
Once the hens are cool enough to handle, stuff each hen’s cavity with the chopped onions and celery.

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Now squeeze juice of one lime or lemon on the hens. Add all the used lime or lemon halves in with the onion and celery stuffing. Sprinkle each hen lightly with a dash of seasoned salt, if you like.
Place the spiced hens in a large cast iron skillet or a roasting pan. Add two cups of good chicken broth.

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Bake in the 425 degrees F heated-oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the hen juices run clean, basting every 15 minutes with the broth. Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil for 15 minutes before serving.

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Enjoy with sides like roasted Greek potatoes and fattoush salad.

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