Grilled Cornish Hens

Buttered Up Cornish Hens

4 (1 1/2 lb each) Cornish hens
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
10 TBSP butter, softened
1 TBSP tarragon
1 TBSP rosemary

Cut the hens along both sides of the backbone.
Remove the bone and discard.
Lay the hen flat and secure it with two wooden skewers placed in the sides straight through the hen.
Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
Gently mix in the salt, pepper, tarragon and rosemary.
Loosen the skin around the breast and thighs of each hen.
Place 1 TBSP of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin.
Melt the remaining herb butter mixture.
Brush each hen with the remaining herb butter mixture reserving a little for basting during cooking.
Heat grill to medium high.
Grill hens covered for 25 minutes basting when needed.
The outside of the hens should be crispy and golden brown when done.

Placing a small amount of herb butter under the skin not only gives the actual meat flavor but will help to keep your Cornish hen moist all the way through.