Guess what? It was International Women's Day on March 8th – a day when we celebrate women, or as I like to call it, an excuse for marketers to rub their hands together and hatch evil plans to make us buy things we never knew we needed. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of these calendar celebrations; I believe we should be high-fiving each other every day. Imagine the world if we did – less crime, fewer hangry people, and more happy vibes!
But hey, let me climb down from my soapbox and share the culinary masterpiece my husband whipped up – a Cornish hen with cauliflower mash and quinoa. Because nothing says 'celebrate women' like a good meal, right? Enjoy the food, enjoy your loved ones, and heck, why not celebrate your toaster too? My hubby and I bond over our shared love for cooking – it's like a culinary bromance, minus the beards (well, maybe just his).
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and lime juice to create the jerk seasoning rub.
- Rub the jerk seasoning mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to coat them evenly. You can also carefully lift the skin and rub some of the seasoning directly onto the meat for more flavour.
- Allow the hens to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours penetrate the meat.
- Roast the Cornish hens in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes to keep them moist and flavourful.
- Once the hens are cooked through and have a beautiful golden brown colour, remove them from the oven.
- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Serve your Rosemary Cornish Hen with Jerk Seasoning alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the delicious fusion of jerk spices and aromatic rosemary in this flavourful dish!