Cornish Game Hens, or Rotisserie Porgs for Star Wars Fans!

Last year, I made Cornish Game Hens with Orange Glaze for the first time and they were super delicious.  

Shortly afterward, we were watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens and noticed that the Porg that Chewbacca Roasts looks remarkably like a roasted Cornish Hen.

Hmmmm…

Now, I just happen to have an electric rotisserie (my in-laws gave us one years ago) and Hubs and I loved the idea of stringing up some game hens like Porgs in the movie.

This time around, I decided to brine my Porgs, I mean cornish hens.  Cornish Hens are a young chicken, so the meat is already very tender.  Even with a short brine, these hens are incredibly flavorful - I highly recommend it!  Yum!

And Star Wars fans?  May the force be with you and enjoy some porgs!

Cornish Game Hens, or Rotisserie Porgs for Star Wars Fans!

Adapted from Clarks Condensed

2 quarts water

¼ cup salt

⅓ cup sugar

5 cloves garlic, smashed

1 small onion, chopped

½ tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried parsley

2 cups ice

3 (24 ounce) cornish game hens 

Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Heat, stirring frequently until the sugar and salt and dissolved and water is beginning to steam.

Pour the brine into a bowl or pot.  Stir in the ice to cool the mixture.  Add the hens.  Brine for at least 3 hours or up to 8.  If the brine does not completely cover the hens, make sure to rotate the hens in the brine several times during marinating.

To cook, remove the hens from the brine.  Thread onto the rotisserie and cook for 60-75 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.  Alternately, bake in a 350 degree oven until done.