Rotisserie Cornish Hens

Ingredients 

*This is not a simple meal to prepare. You'll need an oven that has a built in rotisserie cooker. This meal requires lengthy preparation.

4 Fresh Cornish Hens, or frozen - thawed in refrigerator. I cooked 2 hens at a time
Twine
Chicken or Poultry rub (powdered spices in a jar)
Fresh Basil or Thyme
Syringe to inject hens with marinade
Garlic & herb marinade.
2 Tablespoons of honey
Gloves
Cooking thermometer

Brine Ingredients
Extra large pasta or cooking pot
1 gallon of water
3/4 cup kosher salt
3/4 cup soy sauce
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons of oregano
2 cloves of garlic

Add all ingredients to pot on medium heat. Cook until sugar, and salt dissolve completely. Allow brine to cool. Make sure brine is at room temperature. Add hens to room temperature brine, cover & allow to soak in brine for at least 4 hours. I soaked the hens overnight.

Brine is all done simmering. Allow to cool completely before adding hens to soak in brine. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight soaking ensures tender & flavorful hens.

Put on gloves & remove hens from brine and allow to drain. Stuff the hens with fresh herbs. I used Thai Basil. Then take the brine and tie the thighs & wings together. Twine the center. Make sure it's secure so that the hen will turn in the rotisserie without dangling or flopping around. Take the syringe & inject the marinade in each part of the hen. Coat the hens with honey using a pastry brush. The last step, take the poultry rub, and pour it into your hands. Then rub it all over the hen. The hens are now ready to be secured to the skewers. Turn the oven to Rotisserie settings, and cover a broiling pan with foil. Place the hens over the broiling pan and insert the skewers to secure the hens.  

The hens should turn easily in the rotisserie. The thermometer should have a reading temperature of 165 degrees around the thighs. The cooking time is approximately 50 minutes to one hour & should be well browned.  

All done cooking & ready to serve

                                           

Rotisserie Cornish Hens served with brown rice, and steamed asparagus. The hen was so tender, and savory! A very elegant meal to serve on very special occasions.