Roasted Rock Cornish Hens - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried
12 (1-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 tsp. dried
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
salt and fresh ground black pepper
6 Rock Cornish hens
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
watercress (for garnish)

Preparation

In a glass bowl, combine first eight ingredients.
With a large sharp knife or poultry shears, remove the backbone from each hen by cutting down either side of the bone.
Halve the hens and place in a large nonreactive bowl.
Pour marinade over the birds and turn to coat.
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.