Citrus Infused Rosemary Cornish Game Hens

Experience the delightful blend of flavors in these succulent Cornish game hens, brined to perfection and infused with herbs, grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime pieces as they roast to juicy tenderness.

Ingredients

4 1⁄2	cups vegetable broth
4 1⁄2	cups water
1	tablespoon whole allspice berries
1	tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1	cup kosher salt
4	Cornish game hens
1	grapefruit, cut into quarters
1	juicy orange, cut into quarters
1	lemon, cut into quarters
1	lime, cut into quarters
1	sprig fresh rosemary, or to taste, chopped
1	sprig fresh thyme, or to taste, chopped
1⁄4	cup water
1⁄4	cup olive oil
	salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth, 4 1/2 cups of water, whole allspice berries, black peppercorns, and kosher salt to a boil, ensuring the salt is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the brine cool. Submerge Cornish hens in the brine, then refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the game hens from the brine, pat them dry, and discard the brine.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cut-up grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stuff the cavities of the Cornish hens with the microwaved mixture. Drizzle olive oil over the hens, season with salt and black pepper, and place them in a roasting dish, breast sides up.
  4. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. The internal temperature near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). For crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Rest the hens for 10 minutes before serving.

Jul 19, 2024