Grilled Asian-Style Cornish Game Hens

Marinade

1 T sesame oil
3 T soy sauce
1 t sugar
1/4 c Chinese rice wine
1 T rice vinegar
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t five-spice powder

Combine ingredients in a zipper plastic bag. Prepare two game hens by removing the backbone and splaying out, pressing down hard to flatten the breast. Refrigerate hens in the marinade for 1 hour, turning occasionally. Beginning with the meat side down and the wing tips tucked, grill the flattened hens, over a moderate fire covered. Turn every 4 minutes, until cooked through, about 35 minutes total. Serves four. Roasted mixed vegetables and couscous make good sides.

Variation: Substitute chicken drumstiks for the game hens.

Fajitas

Modified from several online recipes. Prepared March 3, 2011.
Marinade

1/4 c lime juice
1/3 c water
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t ground black pepper
1/4 c cilantro stems and leaves, chopped
1 t ground cumin

Combine ingredients in a 1 gallon zipper plastic bag and mix well. Place 1 to 2 lbs of meat (boneless chicken, flank steak, or skirt steak) in the bag. Mix well, close securely and place in a pan to catch any leaks. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, turning and mixing every 1/2 hour. Discard marinade, and grill meat over very hot coals for 4 to 5 minutes a side. Serve sliced with Mexican rice, refried black beans, pico de gallo, flour tortillas, grilled onions and sweet peppers, lime wedges, guacamole, cerveza.