Comments:

Cornish hens are great on the plate. Done right, they have a wonderful flavor right off the grill. Try this recipe for an elegant evening entrée.

Start with 2-4 Cornish Hens and then marinate with a mixture of:

    3 cups of cran-apple juice
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    1/2 cup light olive oil
    3 cloves of grated garlic
    1 1/2 Tbs. fresh ground pepper
    1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
    1 Tbs. salt
    1/8th tsp. Cayenne pepper - optional

Combine all the ingredients in a plastic or glass bowl and mix thoroughly. The night before, place each hen in a plastic bag (Zip- Lock (c) style). If three (3) hens, then add 1/3rd of the mixture and allow it to marinate overnight. If 4 hens, then do 1/4th of the mixture - and so on.

We like to gently raise the skin and allow the marinade to seep between the skin and the meat for greater flavor. Marinate 3-8 hours in the refrigerator ­ turning occasionally.

During the cooking process baste with a 50/50 mixture of butter and cran-apple juice. Cook at 325 to 350 degrees in indirect heat until the internal temperature of the Cornish hen reaches 150 to 160 degrees. Allow them to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy