Broiled Cornish Hens with Spicy Salt
- 1 tablespoon Szechwan peppercorns
- 2 Cornish hens, split in half
- Salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Preheat the oven to its maximum and put a roasting or broiling pan large enough to hold the birds in it.
- Adjust the broiler rack so that it is about 6 inches from the heating element.
- Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking occasionally, until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Grind to a powder in a spice mill, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the powder over the skin side of the hens; sprinkle with a bit of salt as well.
- Combine the remaining powder with an equal amount of salt and set aside.
- Turn off the oven and turn on the broiler; carefully remove the pan and put the hens in it, skin side up.
- Broil without turning, moving the pieces as necessary to brown evenly, for about 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Transfer the birds to a plate and drizzle with a little of their pan juices and the lime juice.
- Serve, passing the spicy salt at the table.
peppercorns, cornish hens, salt, lime
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/broiled-cornish-hens-with-spicy-salt-386657 (may not work)