Guest Author - Susan Stewart

I've always loved the flavor and look of Rock Cornish Game Hens! If you want to make a special meal, use them instead of chicken in any recipe you like - they make perfect single servings. As they are whole, you need to let them cook a little longer than cut chicken parts.
Game birds have always been a part of the Mexican diet. Quail, duck, wild turkeys, etc. are used throughout the country. This week, I’ve adapted some traditional recipes for you to use with Rock Cornish Game Hens.

Braised Game Birds
A recipe from San Luis Potosi - in the north-central part of Mexico.
Serves 6
6 Rock Cornish Game hens
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
12 ounces, Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 jalapeno chilies in vinegar, drained, seeded, and halved lengthwise

Combine the oil, vinegar, chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs and seasonings. Marinate the hens overnight. The next day, place the hens and marinade into a large pan or Dutch oven and cook over low heat about 30 minutes. Serve, garnished with the jalapeno chilies.
You can also split and the hens lengthwise and grill the in the oven or on the barbeque. Cook the marinade down until reduced by about half and use as a barbeque sauce.

Pollitos en Vino Tinto
Little Chickens in Red Wine
Serves 6

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme, or 1/2 tsp. crushed, dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 Rock Cornish Game Hen
4 slices bacon
1 and a 1/2 pounds Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 carrots, chopped
6 whole green onions, chopped in 1 inch pieces
2 cups dry red wine

Combine the oil, vinegar, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Marinate the hens overnight. Cut the bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry in a very large pan until most of the fat is rendered out. Add the tomatoes, carrots, and green onions to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken with the marinade. Add the wine and gently bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about an hour. (If cooking for a large group, you may need to do this in 2 pans. Or you can put them in a large baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Split Cornish game hens, drizzle both sides with sauce, and bake approximately 45 minutes in shallow pan, skin side up. Baste often.)