Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens
One of our favorite things to smoke is poultry and I really like making Cornish game hens. I always brine poultry before I smoke it. There are many brine recipes you can try. This is one I use pretty frequently and I have another one posted with my Roasted Duck.
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish game hens
Brine:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 3 tbs brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar (I used malt vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs, chopped
For the brine combine half the water with the salt and sugar. Heat to dissolve. Remove from heat and add remaining 1/2 gallon water (I use ice and cool water). Cool completely. Add vinegar, garlic, pepper, and herbs. For the herbs use any combination you would like, I used basil, sage, and oregano. Put Cornish hens in brine and add enough water to cover. Put a plate on top if necessary to keep them submerged. Brine overnight.
Heat smoker to 225°. Remove hens from brine and rinse thoroughly. Place in smoker. Add a small handful of pellets every hour or so.
Smoke for 3 – 4 hours.
Serve.
The Cooking Cobb 
Leave a comment