Cornish Hen with Mediterranean Garlic-Spice Rub

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine spice rub ingredients in a food processor. Run processor until you achieve a paste-like spice mixture/rub. Set aside.

Now to each of the hens, apply spice rub generously. Be sure to apply rub in the crevices and underneath the skin. This ensures good flavor.

Heat a lightly-oiled cast iron grill or griddle. Turn heat to medium-high and proceed to brown each of the hens on all sides. Set aside momentarily to cool. Turn off the heat.

Once hens have cooled enough to handle, stuff each hen’s cavity with the onion and celery. Now squeeze the lemon or lime juice over the hens. Add the lime or lemon halves in with the onion and celery stuffing. Sprinkle hens with a dash of seasoned salt, if you desire. Tie up hens’ legs, if you have kitchen string available.

Place prepared hens in a large roasting pan with some good chicken broth. Insert dish into the heated oven for one hour. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil for 10 minutes before serving.

The chicken broth from the roasting pan will make a great sauce or gravy to serve with the Cornish hens.

Funny story, but I had always avoided, in fact feared cooking whole chickens. That is until I watched an episode of The Pioneer Woman where Ree made her roast chicken to celebrate Ladd’s grandmother’s birthday. But I think I’ve perfected it with this recipe.