BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Recipe Discussions => Poultry => Topic started by: cowgirl on January 15, 2009, 09:48:12 AM

Title: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 15, 2009, 09:48:12 AM
I did these on my drum smoker. The added smoked sausage under the skin makes the birds so moist, I thought someone might be interested in trying this.

I brined the birds in a mixture of water, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, sugar, red pepper flakes, onions, garlic and bay leaves.

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/002-3.jpg)

I sliced smoked sausage and placed it under the skin of the birds...

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/078-1.jpg)

I rubbed the birds with butter and seasoned with cracked black pepper and kosher salt...

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/080-1.jpg)

Into the drum smoker...I smoked at a temperature of 300 with a bit of apple wood and olive wood.

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/088-1.jpg)

After about 1 1/2 hours, I added some twice baked potatoes...

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/112-1.jpg)

The smoked game hen, smoked twice baked potato, hoppin' john, creamy cucumbers and salad...

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/134-1.jpg)

The smoked sausage under the skin adds a lot of flavor and moisture. I use the sausage on spatchcocked turkeys too. :)


(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/135-1.jpg)





Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: easyridinole on January 15, 2009, 09:52:05 AM
Holy Hannah that looks good!!
Beautiful pictures! I bet that tastes as good as it looks!

Ole
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 15, 2009, 09:54:15 AM
Thanks Ole, they're pretty tasty!
:)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: westexasmoker on January 15, 2009, 09:58:56 AM
That looks heavenly cowgirl!  I've got to try the sausage trick next time!

C
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 15, 2009, 10:04:51 AM
Thank you Westexas! It works great on turkey too.  :)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 15, 2009, 11:14:43 AM
That's one of my favorite pics on your weblog, cowgirl..........the one game hen that's hanging out like an 18 year old in a jacuzzi just kills me!  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 15, 2009, 12:20:06 PM
 lol  Marc!   Here's the last batch I did, I called them "Hens in a Hottub".  ;D
I think I need to stop playing with my food.  :-[


(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/100_5951-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: pensrock on January 15, 2009, 01:02:30 PM
Looks amazing cowgirl. Only one problem, that should be enough for me, whats everyone else going to eat?  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 15, 2009, 01:12:26 PM
A girl after my own heart.......funning and cooking.......it doesn't get any better than that!  I wonder how I could photoshop some pics of forum members on to those hens?  Now, that would be funny!  Looking real good there Cowgirl!
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 15, 2009, 03:17:25 PM
Quote from: Smoking Duck on January 15, 2009, 01:12:26 PM
A girl after my own heart.......funning and cooking.......it doesn't get any better than that!  I wonder how I could photoshop some pics of forum members on to those hens?  Now, that would be funny!  Looking real good there Cowgirl!

Duck when LQ and Deb see that comment your gonna look like a deer crossing sign after gun season. Swiss cheese my friend Swiss cheese. I'd be willing to bet you'll be smoked as well.
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 15, 2009, 04:44:26 PM
Awwwwww, shucks, 10.5.  There's plenty of room for all the great gals in my life  ;D  LQ, Deb, Mrs. Seemore, Caribou and KY's wife Jan all know they're special........I play no favorites.  But, you gotta admit, the hens in the tub is frigging funny  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: pensrock on January 15, 2009, 05:27:37 PM
 ::) quietly drinking at a distance......  ::)

(in sparkys absence)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: smokeitall on January 15, 2009, 06:07:56 PM
I think I am in love....with 6 smoked hens :P
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: westexasmoker on January 15, 2009, 06:12:38 PM
Quote from: smokeitall on January 15, 2009, 06:07:56 PM
I think I am in love....with 6 smoked hens :P

And Joe Walsh and the Eagles come in 'Pretty maids all in a row'  I so concur!

C
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 15, 2009, 06:16:08 PM
Quote from: pensrock on January 15, 2009, 05:27:37 PM
::) quietly drinking at a distance......  ::)

(in sparkys absence)

I wish you'd have done that BEFORE the pic of you in a bacon bra  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Mr Walleye on January 15, 2009, 07:13:35 PM
CowGirl

That looks fantastic!  8)

Love the idea of sausage under the skin.

... and those hens in a hot tub!... LMAO  ;D

Mike
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 16, 2009, 08:58:21 AM
Thank you folks!  ;D

Do I need to quietly drink at a distance too ? lol   Move over pensrock.  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:04:12 AM
Don't let Pens fool ya, Cowgirl.  He's like the little kid who stirs up the bee's nest and then runs just outside of their range while I stand there wondering where the dang bees came from  ;D  I always get stung!

It just goes to show that he's always one step ahead of me  :D  But, he's a Steeler fan so that shows if nothing else, he has extremely good judgement  ;)

I'm still giggling about the hens in the hot tub......not sure why, but it's really funny to me.
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 16, 2009, 09:17:57 AM
Quote from: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:04:12 AM
Don't let Pens fool ya, Cowgirl.  He's like the little kid who stirs up the bee's nest and then runs just outside of their range while I stand there wondering where the dang bees came from  ;D  I always get stung!

It just goes to show that he's always one step ahead of me  :D  But, he's a Steeler fan so that shows if nothing else, he has extremely good judgement  ;)

I'm still giggling about the hens in the hot tub......not sure why, but it's really funny to me.

Thank you Marc! Being new here, I didn't know Pens was such a pot stirrer.... (lol just kidding Pens.  ;D)

Glad you like my hot tub hens too.  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:33:44 AM
Pens is a good guy......he actually helped me fill my home with pepper spray once  ;D

In fact, you'd have a really hard time finding a bad person in this place.......... I know I have yet to find a person that I wouldn't be willing to share a meal with here.
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 16, 2009, 01:41:35 PM
Quote from: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:33:44 AM
Pens is a good guy......he actually helped me fill my home with pepper spray once  ;D

In fact, you'd have a really hard time finding a bad person in this place.......... I know I have yet to find a person that I wouldn't be willing to share a meal with here.

Bet that's an interesting story!!  ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 16, 2009, 06:09:35 PM
I had to stop looking at the hen's hot tub party.  It was kinda getting me going, if ya know what I mean...  You would think I would be used to it, being a Doc and all...  I guess Cowgirl just has a big way with the presentation.

BTW - the sausage under the skin is an awesome idea.  I can't wait to do it.  I've done butter and all that.  But pork fat?  Come on...  Pork fat rules.

(http://www.aapics.com/PigFace.jpg)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: seemore on January 16, 2009, 06:45:33 PM
Cowgirl, those hens look so good!  And I love the hen party at the hottub too!  All that is missing is a round of martinis and a cabana boy - ie banty rooster - serving them;  perhaps wearing a bacon speedo????  ;)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Caribou on January 16, 2009, 07:40:40 PM
Thanks for sharing your recipe with us.
Your pictures rock!!!
Carolyn
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: pensrock on January 17, 2009, 04:12:40 AM
Pepper spray? Bees nest? Pot stirrer? Steeler fan?
Hey I resemble that remark!  ;D ;D ;D

QuoteDo I need to quietly drink at a distance too ? lol   Move over pensrock. 
Plenty of room over here in the corner cowgirl, join right in.
But as you see, drinking quietly at a distance does not insure you will not be pulled back into the mayham.  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 17, 2009, 08:18:37 AM
Quote from: seemore on January 16, 2009, 06:45:33 PM
serving them;  perhaps wearing a bacon speedo????  ;)

YIKES
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: HCT on January 17, 2009, 10:50:29 AM
I don't know which looks better, the pics or the recipes. :D :D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 18, 2009, 08:39:42 AM
Thank you Doctor Woody, Seemore, Carolyn and HCT!

Pensrock, thanks for sharing your corner with me.  ;D  I think you're right, a corner spot doesn't guarantee your safety.  lol
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 18, 2009, 10:14:17 AM
Quote from: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:33:44 AM
In fact, you'd have a really hard time finding a bad person in this place.......... I know I have yet to find a person that I wouldn't be willing to share a meal with here.

Really though...  Wouldn't it be great to get together and have everyone bring their most "prized" smoked product to share?  Too bad the miles make it so difficult.

THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL SMOKER CONVENTION
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 20, 2009, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Doctor Woody on January 18, 2009, 10:14:17 AM
Quote from: Smoking Duck on January 16, 2009, 09:33:44 AM
In fact, you'd have a really hard time finding a bad person in this place.......... I know I have yet to find a person that I wouldn't be willing to share a meal with here.

Really though...  Wouldn't it be great to get together and have everyone bring their most "prized" smoked product to share?  Too bad the miles make it so difficult.

THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL SMOKER CONVENTION

Doc you just missed out on the So Cal Smokeout. If your still wanting a get together there is a Midwest Smokeout being planned for Memorial day weekend.
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 20, 2009, 12:50:20 PM
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on January 20, 2009, 12:38:47 PM
Doc you just missed out on the So Cal Smokeout. If your still wanting a get together there is a Midwest Smokeout being planned for Memorial day weekend.

No kidding?  Was it one of those events that you bring your smoker and cook on site, or just bring the "goods" to get judged?

Midwest?  Perhaps I'll wait for another OC Smokeout.  I have family back there and am lucky to get there once a year to see them.  Got lots of other travel destinations I have been putting off, so time is just not on my side.
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Gizmo on January 20, 2009, 08:42:42 PM
We will be doing another here in a month or two I suspect.  The So Caler's just like Q and gettin together.  There are a few of us with-in driving distance and have gotten together on 4 different occasions as a good sized group.

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6168.msg59149#msg59149 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6168.msg59149#msg59149)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8475.msg91742#msg91742 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8475.msg91742#msg91742)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8751.msg91822#msg91822 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8751.msg91822#msg91822)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6580.75 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6580.75)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 21, 2009, 09:41:35 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on January 20, 2009, 08:42:42 PM
We will be doing another here in a month or two I suspect.  The So Caler's just like Q and gettin together.  There are a few of us with-in driving distance and have gotten together on 4 different occasions as a good sized group.

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6168.msg59149#msg59149 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6168.msg59149#msg59149)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8475.msg91742#msg91742 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8475.msg91742#msg91742)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8751.msg91822#msg91822 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=8751.msg91822#msg91822)

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6580.75 (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6580.75)


Thanks Gizmo!!  It took me a while to look through those posts.  It looks like a great time.

One thing I don't get though...  What is the deal with the tea bags?  Or is it like a secret handshake that can't be discussed here???   :o
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Gizmo on January 21, 2009, 09:55:55 PM
That is the secret of La Quinta trying to hypnotize Westexasmoker to not use mesquite.
Little known but to only a small handful of pixies, it has backfired and reversed itself onto her.  I think she has dumped out all her other flavors and now only uses mesquite and the reverse hypnosis was so powerful, she doesn't realize which is why she hasn't told anyone, but the pixies know.   ;D 
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Gizmo on January 21, 2009, 10:19:14 PM
For Cowgirl,
Here is my take on your ladies in the hot tub.

Ladies Naked

(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q78/GizmoPhoto/Smoking393.jpg)


All dressed up.

(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q78/GizmoPhoto/Smoking395.jpg)


With makeup on.

(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q78/GizmoPhoto/Smoking396.jpg)

Cornish Game Hens, butter and garlic under the skin,
Seasoned, beer bath under the pan.
These were so moist they were dripping wet inside.

Next time I'll do this on a weekend and they will go in the smoker like I wanted to do to begin with.



Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: FLBentRider on January 22, 2009, 03:59:26 AM
That looks delish Gizmo!
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Caribou on January 22, 2009, 04:23:27 AM
Those look wonderful Gizmo!
ps: I love your counter top too :)
Carolyn
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Doctor Woody on January 22, 2009, 08:06:26 AM
Quote from: Gizmo on January 21, 2009, 10:19:14 PM
For Cowgirl,
Here is my take on your ladies in the hot tub.

Ladies Naked

Cornish Game Hens, butter and garlic under the skin,
Seasoned, beer bath under the pan.
These were so moist they were dripping wet inside.

Next time I'll do this on a weekend and they will go in the smoker like I wanted to do to begin with.




My my....   *blushing*


Thanks for the insight into the tea bags.  I'm glad it wasn't the other thing I was thinking about.   ;D
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Caneyscud on January 22, 2009, 09:32:48 AM
Did the recipe start out  -  "Lift and separate?"

Shakespeare
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 22, 2009, 06:40:45 PM
Beautiful birds Gizmo!! They look very tasty too.  :)
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Gizmo on January 22, 2009, 07:53:57 PM
Quote from: Caribou on January 22, 2009, 04:23:27 AM
Those look wonderful Gizmo!
ps: I love your counter top too :)
Carolyn

Full Slab.  The boy always wanted to have a party here and use it for beer pong.  NOT

Quote from: Caneyscud on January 22, 2009, 09:32:48 AM
Did the recipe start out  -  "Lift and separate?"

Shakespeare


Yes if you consider Spatchc0cking "Lift and separate"
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 23, 2009, 01:10:18 PM
Giz them spatched birds look perty darn good!!
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: Caneyscud on January 27, 2009, 07:05:26 AM
Cowgirl

Took your idea about sausage under the skin and ran with it this weekend.  Did a yardbird.  Only sausage I had on hand was some Echrich Chipotle flavored sausage.  Sliced it up and slid it under the skin - easier to do than I imagined.  Stuffed the cavity with onion and rubbed it with some Tone's rosemary chicken rub and smoked it in my Bandera with oak lump and hickory splits.  Skin turned out nice and crispy.  And the sausage kept the breast moist.  Very tasty bird.  I was going to take some after pics, but I put it on the counter after taking it off the racks and before I could get around to taking a pic - somebody had already done some sampling and was not a pretty sight - tasty, but not pretty.

Unless others around the house tell me differently, this is likely to be a common way of smoking yard bird from now on!  Thanks Cowgirl!


Shakespeare
The Bard of Hot Aire
Threadkiller Extraordinaire'
Title: Re: Game Hens
Post by: cowgirl on January 27, 2009, 08:51:25 AM
Caney that sounds great! I like your idea of using chipotle sausage... I will give it a try. Thanks!!  I'm so glad it turned out well for you.  :)


I made a spatchocked turkey with sausage under the skin on my drum smoker for deer season/ Thanksgiving.... and had the same problem as you.
When I stepped outside for a few minutes, someone dug into the turkey before I could get a picture.  ;D

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cowgirls_photos/101_7810-2.jpg)