Cornish Hens with Scallion Butter and Lime

Heat the oven to 450°. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the butter with the oregano, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Rub the mixture over the skin of the hens and arrange them, skin-side up, on a baking sheet. Roast in the upper third of the oven until golden and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons butter with the scallion, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. When the hens are roasted, top with the scallion butter. Serve with lime wedges.

Variation Cornish Hens with Herb Butter and Lime: Mix one tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, and/or oregano, with the butter in place of the scallions.

You could roast new potatoes right alongside the hens with almost no effort. Sautéed bell peppers would complete the meal.