Southwestern Cornish Game Hens

Cornish game hens are marinated in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, cilantro and mesquite meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon mesquite meal
• 3 Cornish Game Hens
• Kosher or sea salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, cilantro and mesquite meal in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Remove giblets from the game hens; set aside for another use. Wash the game hens.
3. Place the game hens into the marinade, coating the game hens. Place them into the refrigerator for 2 hours, turning the game hens after 1 hour.
4. Remove game hens from the refrigerator, and salt and pepper the cavities.
5. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Place the game hens on their backs and cover them.
7. Bake for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, basting with the marinade every 15 minutes.