Bacon Weave Cornish Game Hen Recipe

Place non-stick aluminum foil on baking sheet. Salt and pepper both sides of the Cornish game hen.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and butter. Heat in microwave until butter has melted and you can smell the garlic. Carefully remove from microwave.

Baste both hen halves, on each side, with the prepared marinade and place on the prepared baking sheet.  NOTE:  The hens can now go back into the refrigerator until cooking time.  Remove 1 hour before cooking to allow hens to come to room temperature.

Heat the broiler of your oven and move oven rack up to the second notch below the broiler element.  Broil hens on one side until you see the marinade start to bubble and the skin starting to brown; baste again, turns hens over, baste, and broil until starting to brown.  Using oven mitts, remove Cornish game hens from the oven.

Turn the oven to 375 degrees F.  Move oven rack down to roasting position.

Place the partially cooked Cornish game hens back in the oven (cut side down), and baste again.  Roast until the hens, are done, or until a thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (juices will run clear when cut with the tip of a knife).  Baste frequently with accumulating juices.

Remove from oven and baste again with the remaining juices that have browned nicely on the foil.  Cover cooked Cornish game hens loosely with a piece of aluminum foil for about 10 minutes.  Baste again on both sides, and place on individual serving plates.

Note:  What makes these hens so tasty is the basting, especially with the caramelized sauce as the hens are cooking. This enhances the skin color, as well.

Makes 2 servings.