Herb Marinated Cornish Game Hens

In Roman Catholicism, the Ascension is a Holy Day of Obligation occuring 40 days after Easter. It is traditional to eat some sort of bird on this festive day in honor of Christ who "flew" to heaven, and a picnic on a hill or other high location helps commemorate the ascension.

Rub hens with oil. In a small bowl combine lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, parika, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, scallions and garlic. Place hens ina large zipper bag, and add marinade. Zip tight and massage marinade into birds. Refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place marinated birds in a roasting pan and roast 30-45 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10 minutes as needed. When cooked, the internal temperature will be 165°F, joints will move freely, and juice will run clear. Let birds rest out ofthe ovenfor 5 minutes before serving.

Suggestions: Cook these birds on the grill. Cut out the bird's backbone and open it up flat.

Serves 4.

4 (1-2 lb.) game hens
¼ olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
4 scallions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
¼-½ cup olive oil, as needed.