Barbecued Cornish Hens

Name: Barbecued Cornish Hens
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each); 2 tablespoons butter, softened; Salt and pepper; 1 cup ketchup; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup cider vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons steak sauce; 1 tablespoon prepared mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

I came up with this recipe when I was just a teenager and have made it quite often since then. —Diane Widmer, Blue Island, Illinois

Ingredients

4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Salt and pepper
1 cup ketchup
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons steak sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

Rub Cornish hens with butter; sprinkle salt and pepper inside cavity and over skin. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Baste hens with sauce. Bake 45 minutes longer or until juices run clear and a thermometer reads 180°, basting frequently.

Originally published as Indiana Barbecue Hens in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2005