Savory Rosemary Citrus Cornish Hens - A Delicious Twist

Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups of nutrient-rich vegetable broth
• 4 ½ cups of refreshing water
• A touch of whole allspice berries for a burst of flavor
• A sprinkle of whole black peppercorns for an added kick
• 1 cup of high-quality kosher salt
• 4 tender Cornish game hens
• 1 vibrant grapefruit, cut into quarters
• 1 luscious orange, cut into quarters
• 1 zesty lemon, cut into quarters
• 1 tangy lime, cut into quarters
• A fragrant sprig of fresh rosemary, finely chopped to your liking
• A dash of fresh thyme leaves, chopped to elevate the taste
• A splash of water for moisture
• A drizzle of olive oil for richness
• Season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of ground black pepper to your preference

Step 1

Begin by bringing a flavorful mix of vegetable broth, water, allspice berries, black peppercorns, and kosher salt to a gentle boil in a generously sized pot, ensuring the salt dissolves completely. Once the brine is ready, let it cool off. Once cooled, immerse the Cornish hens into the brine and let them chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Step 2

As the hens marinate, preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). When the hens are ready, take them out of the brine, pat them dry, and bid farewell to the brine.

Step 3

Next, gather a vibrant mix of cut-up grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, along with hearty sprigs of rosemary and thyme in a microwave-safe bowl. Give them a quick zap on High for 2 minutes. Use tongs to stuff this aromatic blend into the cavities of the Cornish hens. Drizzle each hen with luscious olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place these herb-filled hens in a roasting dish, ensuring they rest breast sides up.

Step 4

Roast the hens in the preheated oven until they are no longer pink near the bone and the juices run clear, which should take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. To ensure they are perfectly cooked, an instant-read thermometer should register 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh. For an extra crisp finish, crank up the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for the final 15 minutes of cooking. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices and flavors.