ROCK CORNISH HENS

Frozen rock cornish hens are a rather new addition to the poultry list and a pleasant one. 
Since they are small, it is safest to count on one bird per person.

Timing of menu: Baked sweet potatoes, 1 hour. Hens, 50 minutes. Artichokes and tomatoes, 10 minutes.


1. Allow the hens to thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours.

2. Turn on the oven to 450 F

3. Inside each hen put 1 peeled clove of garlic, and sprinkle in salt and pepper 
(about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper). 
Add 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.

4. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, and cook the hens in this, turning often, 
just until they are nicely browned on all. sides.

5. Put the hens in a roasting pan without a rack and cook in a 450 F oven for 40 minutes, 
or until they feel tender when prodded with a fork. During this cooking time, have on hand 
1/2 cup of melted butter to which has been added either 4 tablespoons of lemon juice or Cointreau. 
Spoon some of this over the hens at frequent intervals.

6. When the hens are ready to serve, place them on a platter and pour over them 
the sauce in the bottom of the pan.