1847. GRILLED CORNISH HENS with BACON and MUSTARD

makes four servings


2 strips of bacon, coarsely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons thyme leaves
cayenne pepper
2 large Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each), backbones removed
salt and freshly ground pepper

Light a grill. In a mini-processor, combine the bacon, garlic, mustard, thyme and a large pinch of cayenne and process to a coarse paste.

Lay the hens, skin side up, on a work surface. Press down firmly on the breastbones to flatten the hens. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin over the breasts and spread the bacon stuffing under the skin. Season the hens with salt and pepper.

Lay the hens on the grill, skin side down. Set a foil-wrapped brick or a cast-iron skillet on each hen and grill over a medium-low fire for about 25 minutes, or until the skin is deeply browned and crisp. Check occasionally so that the hens don't burn. Turn the birds, replace the bricks and grill for about 25 minutes longer, or until the thighs are cooked through and the skin is crisp.

Transfer the hens to a platter, cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Halve the birds lengthwise and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Jan Newberry, "Ready, Set, Grill," Food & Wine, June 1998