CORNISH GAME HENS - 125 WAYS

TUSCAN-STYLE GAME HENS

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (or choose a substitute from Column A)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or choose a substitute from Column B)
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
1 1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp fennel seed, crushed (or choose a substitute from Column C)
1 tsp fresh ground pepper]
3 Cornish game hens, halved

In baking dish, combine first 9 ingredients. Add hens; turn to coat, and refrigerate about 2 hours.

Heat grill to medium-high for direct heat, or heat broiler.

Remove hens, reserving marinade for basting.

Grill breast-side-down, basting after 15 minutes; turn. Continue cooking until thermometer inserted in thigh registers 170 degrees F. Discard remaining marinade.

WAYS:
Follow above recipe, substituting a liquid in Column A for the lemon juice, an herb in Column B for the thyme and a spice in Column C for the fennel seeds. Use the amount called for in the recipe.

COLUMN A - LIQUID OPTIONS:
lime juice
coconut milk
orange juice
stout beer
pineapple juice

COLUMN B - HERB OPTIONS:
chopped fresh chives
chopped fresh cilantro
chopped fresh tarragon
chopped fresh dill
chopped fresh basil

COLUMN C - SPICE OPTIONS:
grated orange zest
toasted cumin seeds
grated lemon zest
toasted caraway seeds
ground curry powder

Servings: 6
Source: First for Women magazine, July 12, 1990