Grilled Cornish Hens (Poussin) with Spicy Rub

Total time: 60 minutes
    Cooked over indirect heat with a spicy rub gives these hens a crisp, flavorful skin.  Both the dry mustard and pepper add a bit of heat.

 Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens or poussin (little chickens)
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper

 Instructions:

• Tie legs together with kitchen string and fold wing tips under back (at first joint) - keeps them from flapping. 
• Rub birds with olive oil. 
• Mix all remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over birds. 
• Pat into place with the back of a spoon or a spatula. (Using your hands would remove too much of the rub.)
• Cook hens on barbecue grill over indirect heat, covered, for 45 - 60 minutes or until done.  Chicken is done at 160 F (70C) on your meat thermometer and/or the juices run clear when pierced with knife. 
• Or they can be baked in a shallow roasting pan in a 400F oven for the same amount of time - until done.
• When done, remove from heat, cut string and serve - don't forget finger bowls (it's messy) and bone bowls (to keep your plates tidy). 
• Serve whole or cut each bird in half.