: Rotisserie - general chicken/game hens
Source of Recipe
from about com
List of Ingredients
:Rotisserie - general chicken/game hens
Cook whole chickens, 3 - 4 pounds, 375, for 1 hour 20 - 30 minutes, 175 - 180 internal temperature
Cook 18 - 20 minutes longer for Each additional pound, up to 6 pounds.
As for cooking times your best bet is a meat thermometer.
Recipe
The first misconception about Cornish Game Hens is that they are in fact
game. Game hens are actually chickens specifically breed for their small
size. You've heard the expression, "tastes like chicken", well; in this case
it's true. They cook and eat just like chicken with the exception of their
size. For the average person one game hen is a meal so plan on one per
person and you'll have just enough for everyone.
Because game hens are practically the same as chicken, they should be
prepared in much the same way with, of course, shorter cooking and
preparation times. If you follow a few basic ideas you can grill great game
hen.
If you intend to brine your game hens use any type of poultry brine and
leave them to soak for about 4 to 5 hours.
Game hens can be grilled over direct heat if you first cut them in half
through the middle. To do this, place the hen, breast up on a cutting board
and with a sharp knife or kitchen sheers cut on both sides of the backbone
and remove the backbone. Then turn it over and cut through the front
directly between the breasts. Make sure to clean up the cuts to remove any
loose bone.
To grill game hens on a rotisserie (my favorite method), place the first hen
on the skewer, tightly in the forks. Then continue placing hens on the
skewer turning each one a quarter turn to stagger the weight. Press them
tightly together and secure to the skewer. Getting them good and tight on
the rotisserie skewer will ensure that they don't move around and by using
the quarter turn they will lock into place.
If you want to use a stuffing for your game hens, make sure it is completely
cooked and still warm when you stuff them. Place them to cook as soon as
they are stuffed. This will reduce the chance of bacteria forming in the
stuffing.
As with all poultry avoid any sugary bastes, marinades of sauces to prevent
burning. It is also helpful to use a drip pan to prevent flare-ups.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness before you remove
poultry from the grill.
One of the best things about serving Cornish Game Hens is the presentation.
Serve them up on a large platter with some parsley to garnish and people
will mistake you for a gourmet chef.
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