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Smoked Cornish Game Hens
An exquisite little bird meets an extraordinary preparation. Your
guests will be amazed.
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2 |
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quarts water |
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1/3 |
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cup salt |
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1/4 |
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cup pickling spice (1/2 of a 1-1/2-ounce jar) |
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4 |
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Cornish game hens, 1 to 1-1/2 pounds each |
In a Dutch oven, combine water, salt, and pickling spice; bring to
a boil. Remove from heat and chill completely.
Thaw Cornish game hens, if frozen. Rinse hens and pat dry. Submerge
hens in chilled pickling marinade. Marinate in refrigerator 12 hours.
Prepare charcoal or gas grill or traditional smoker for Indirect smoking
on Low Heat (follow instructions in owners manual). Use two layers
of charcoal for smoker. For best results for this recipe, use wine barrel
chips, hickory or mesquite chips or chunks, or fruit woods (such as cherry
or peach).
Remove hens from marinade; discard marinade. Pat hens dry with paper
towels; brush off excess pickling spice.
Place hens on cooking grate of fully smoking grill or smoker. Smoke
3 to 4 hours over charcoal or 45 to 60 minutes over gas, or until meat
thermometer inserted into thigh registers 180°F (82°C). Hens should be
tender and juices should run clear.
Makes 8 servings.
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