Butterfly Hens for Easy Elegance

For a change of pace, serve butterflied roasted Cornish hensinstead of the more popular chicken or turkey. Much easier to eat,butterflied Cornish hens cook in half the time it takes to roast awhole hen.

I serve Cornish hens more often now that I've learned how easythey are to "butterfly." Simply remove the backbone by cutting downeach side of the hen with kitchen shears. Save the backbones formaking soup. Spread the hens, like a butterfly with skin side up, ona work surface. Flatten by pressing down on the breast bone. Thehens are now ready to season and marinate.

At home, I roast them in a hot oven, but they are also goodbroiled or grilled. If grilling, secure …