Name: Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 tbsp. butter -; c. black olives -; 2 tsp. anchovy paste -; 1 tbsp. grated orange zest (from about 1 navel orange) -; 2 tsp. orange juice -; 2 cloves garlic -; 1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper -; 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/4 pounds each) -; 2 tbsp. Cooking oil -; Boiled or steamed rice -

Ingredients for - Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter

1. 8 tbsp. butter

2. c. black olives

3. 2 tsp. anchovy paste

4. 1 tbsp. grated orange zest (from about 1 navel orange)

5. 2 tsp. orange juice

6. 2 cloves garlic

7. 1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper

8. 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/4 pounds each)

9. 2 tbsp. Cooking oil

10. Boiled or steamed rice

How to cook deliciously - Grilled Cornish Hens with Rice and Sicilian Butter

1 . Stage

Light the grill. In a food processor, puree the butter and olives with the anchovy paste, orange zest, orange juice, garlic and pepper. With a rubber spatula, scrape the butter into a small bowl and refrigerate.

2 . Stage

Rub the hens with oil and cook over moderate heat for 12 minutes. Turn and cook until just done, about 12 minutes longer.

3 . Stage

Remove the hens from the grill and serve with the rice. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of the flavored butter, letting the butter melt over both the hen and the rice.

4 . Stage

Menu Suggestion: You might grill some eggplant slices and drizzle them with balsamic vinegar to go with these hens. Sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and a sprinkling of Parmesan would also match the Italian mood.

5 . Stage

Wine Recommendation: The saltiness of olives and anchovies can make the wrong wine appear coarse and too alcoholic. A rosé is the perfect choice. If you can find one from Sicily, buy it. If not, pick a bottle from Navarre in Spain or from the south of France.