Deep-Fried Cornish Game Hens

Ingredients

• 2 (3/4 lb)  Cornish hens

• vegetable shortening (for deep-frying)
• oil (for deep-frying)
• salt
• pepper, freshly ground
• lemon, wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. 1

   Don't fill your stockpot more than half full with shortening/oil, to allow for the inevitable boiling up when the hens are added.

2. 2

   Also, be sure the hens are at room temperature so the fat temperature doesn't drop dramatically from the shock of an ice-cold bird.

3. 3

   Rinse the hens and pat completely dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place a large wire cake rack over a jelly roll pan/cookie sheet.

5. 5

   In a stockpot, melt vegetable shortening over high heat to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat it to 375 degrees F.

6. 6

   Carefully put 1 Cornish hen in the hot shortening. Deep fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown.