Cornish Game Hens, Cooked Under A Brick, With Orzo Risotto And Grilled Zucchini

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and crushed red pepper. Mix to combine and then set the marinade aside.

Place the hens on a cutting board. With a boning knife, cut along the backbone and remove. Place the hens breast-side down and using the heel of your hand, push down to break the breastbone and flatten. Remove the back bone with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Tuck the wing tips behind the joint of the wing that meets the breast.

Place the hens a 9 by 13-inch non-reactive baking dish, and add the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours, turning occasionally to evenly coat.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and preheat the bricks for 20 minutes. (Alternately, heat the bricks on the grill for 30 minutes.)

Preheat a grill to medium heat.

Remove the birds from the marinade and season on both sides with the Essence, salt, and pepper.

Place the birds, breast-side down, on the grill. Place 2 bricks on each bird to cover completely and to flatten the birds down against the grill. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn the birds at a 90 degree angle and cook, for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the bricks and turn the birds over. Cook on the second side for 2 minutes, then turn 90 degrees and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the birds test done using a thermometer. Remove from the grill, place on a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before carving. 

Serve with the Orzo Risotto and Grilled Zucchini.