From Meagan Southerland
Serves 4
Serves 4
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1. Cornish Hen Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens, thawed
- ½ cup Dude Wow Bloody Mary Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
1. Spatchcock the hens.
Place each hen breast-side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Flip the hen over and press firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.
2. Make the marinade.
Whisk together the Dude Wow, olive oil, Worcestershire, lemon juice, honey, hot sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, celery salt, black pepper, onion powder and cayenne.
3. Marinate.
Place the hens in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure both sides are coated.
Refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
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2. Crispy Cornish Hens + Bloody Mary Glaze
Before cooking
Remove the hens from the marinade and thoroughly pat them dry, especially the skin.
For the crispiest skin, place them uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours after drying.
Bloody Mary Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Dude Wow Bloody Mary Mix
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- Pinch smoked paprika
Mix everything together.
Cook the hens
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Start in a cold skillet.
Place the hens skin-side down in a lightly oiled cast-iron or oven-safe skillet.
Turn the burner to medium heat.
Let the hens cook undisturbed for approximately 8–12 minutes, allowing the skin to slowly render and become deeply golden.
Don't rush this step. The skin is the prize.
3. Flip.
Once the skin is crisp and browned, flip the hens skin-side up.
Transfer the skillet to the 375°F oven.
4. Roast.
Cook for approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of your hens.
Start checking the temperature around 20 minutes. The thickest part of the breast should reach 160–165°F.
5. Glaze.
During the final 5 minutes, brush the hens generously with the Bloody Mary glaze.
Return to the oven until the glaze becomes glossy and slightly caramelized.
6. Rest.
Transfer the hens to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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3. Dude Wow Cheddar Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground or regular grits
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup Dude Wow Bloody Mary Mix
- 1 cup water or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 ounces cream cheese, optional but highly recommended
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Directions
1. Heat the liquid.
Add chicken stock, Dude Wow and water/milk to a saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Add grits.
Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
Reduce heat to low.
3. Cook.
Cook according to your grits' package directions, stirring frequently.
For stone-ground grits, expect approximately 30–40 minutes.
If they become too thick before they're tender, add a little additional chicken stock or milk.
4. Finish.
Once creamy and tender, stir in:
- Butter
- Cheddar
- Cream cheese
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Taste before adding salt because the Bloody Mary mix, stock and cheese may already provide plenty.
4. Celery-Cucumber Relish
This is the component that keeps the whole plate from becoming too rich.
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup finely diced cucumber
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt, if needed
Directions
1. Combine.
Add celery, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño and parsley to a bowl.
2. Dress.
Add lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, celery salt and black pepper.
3. Rest.
Mix well and let sit for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Taste and adjust with additional lemon, vinegar or salt as needed.