Greek-Inspired Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Honey-Garlic Butter

Oregano, lemon, garlic, and red wine give these grilled little birds a sun-kissed Mediterranean flavor.
(serves 4)

For the seasoning:
1 T. granulated garlic
1 T. granulated onion
1&1/2 t. dried oregano
1&1/2 t. smoked paprika
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. kosher salt
2 T. EVOO, more for the grill
2 game hens about 2 lbs. each, spatchcocked (cut the backbone out with a scissors, then press
     down on birds with the palms of your hands to flatten*)

For the glaze:
1 cup red wine
2 T. tomato paste
2 T. honey
1/4 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly ground pepper

For the butter:
2 t. finely chopped fresh garlic
1 t. honey
1/4 t. packed finely grated lemon zest
1/4 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly ground pepper
2 oz. (4 T.) unsalted Kerrygold butter, softened

For the garnish:
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Flaky salt (like Maldon*), optional

Season the birds: In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients except the oil. Rub the birds all over with the oil, then with the seasoning, using most of it on the meatier side of the birds.
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk the ingredients for the glaze over high heat, and bring to a bowl. Lower to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 10-20 min. Set aside.
Make the butter: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except the butter, and allow to sit for 5 min. for the flavors to develop. Add the butter, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Grill and glaze the birds: Prepare a high gas or charcoal grill fire. Oil the grate. grill the birds, breast side down, until the skin has nice grill marks, 10-15 min.. Flip the birds over, brush with the glaze, and cook til the internal temp. is 165 turning, and glazing.
Butter, garnish, and serve: Transfer birds to a cutting board, breast side up, and spread with some of the butter. Test with foil for 5 min. Cut into halves or quarters, garnish with the chopped herbs, and salt, and pass the remaining butter at the table.

"If you can find an opening, you can probably find a way to float through it."

Enjoy our plentiful sunshine today, and don't forget to have some FUN!!

Love,

MM