Grilled Jerk Cornish Hen

You will need to start off with a cleaned hen with giblets removed.  You will also need to use kitchen shears to cut along either side of the backbone.  Remove the backbone and discard or save to make broth for another recipe.  Your hen should now be "butterflied".    Next, you will need to prepare the brine.  The hen will marinate in this bring for at least 6 hours or overnight, which is preferred.

Jerk Brine Ingredients:
5-6 cups water
5 allspice berries
5 black peppercorn berries
1 garlic clove
2 green onions
1 Tbsp. sea salt
1 sprig rosemary
1 sprig of thyme
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. ginger paste or a small piece of fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Big L's Jerk Seasoning

Method Part I:

• In a large pot, add of the above mentioned ingredients with the exception of the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Big L's Jerk Seasoning. Bring the brine mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and allow to simmer for 1 hour.
• Once the mixture has simmered for an hour, remove from heat and add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Big L's Jerk Seasoning. Stir until well combined.
• Set the mixture aside and allow to fully cool. The mixture should be room temperature before moving to the next step.
• Place the hen into the brine. Be sure the hen is fully submerged in the liquid. You want to ensure even distribution of the brine in this step.  You may need to use a smaller or larger pot/bowl if the hen is not fully covered.
• Allow the hen to marinate in the brine for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Method Part II:

• Heat your grill.  If using a gas grill, heat to medium-high heat. 
• Remove the hen from the brine and pat the outside dry with a paper towel. Patting the outside dry will create a crisp skin while cooking and allow the spices to adhere evenly.
• Evenly coat the inside and outside of your hen with Big L's Jerk Seasoning. You could use a little Big L's Adobo Seasoning as well.
• Place the inside portion of the hen on the grill as shown below.  You will not need to grill the outside of the hen at all. 
• Close the lid and cook until the internal temperate reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  Cooking time will vary due based on the size of your hen.  
• Once your hen is fully cooked, brush a bit of melted butter onto the skin and enjoy!