The Story Behind Jerk:
Jerk is a story of resilience, creativity, and culture. Originating in Jamaica, the tradition was born from the Maroons, Africans who escaped enslavement and built free communities deep in the island’s mountains. To preserve and flavor their meats, they blended local ingredients like pimento (allspice), Scotch bonnet, thyme, and scallion, slow-cooking them over pimento wood for that unmistakable smoky heat. Over time, jerk became a symbol of freedom and flavor—a celebration of resourcefulness and soul.
That’s what makes jerk the perfect choice for a modern Thanksgiving table: it’s bold yet comforting, rooted in heritage yet endlessly adaptable. Every bite carries history, warmth, and the spirit of home—no matter where you are.
Sweet & Savory Z Eats Jerk Cornish Hen
Serves: 2 Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 30 min Marinate: 24 hours
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 stalks scallion, finely chopped
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (leaves scraped off the stem)
- ¼–½ small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 10 pimento (allspice) seeds, crushed
- A pinch of Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp Z Eats Jerk Marinade
- 2 tsp special blend seasoning (your signature spice mix)
- 1–2 tsp browning sauce (for color and richness)
- 1–2 tbsp ketchup
- 1–2 tsp honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
-
Marinate (Flavor Fusion):
In a bowl, combine scallion, thyme leaves, onion, garlic, pimento, Scotch bonnet, Z Eats Jerk Marinade, special blend, browning, and salt.
Rub this mixture all over the Cornish hens—inside, under the skin, and over the top.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to let the flavors soak deep. -
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a baking tray with foil and place the hens breast-side up. -
Roast & Flip:
Roast for 10 minutes, flip, and roast another 10 minutes to begin caramelizing the jerk glaze. -
Sweet Glaze Touch:
In a small bowl, mix the juices that formed during marination with ketchup and honey to create a sticky, sweet-savory glaze.
After flipping, brush this glaze generously over the hens. -
Finish on Top Rack:
Move the tray to the top rack and bake another 10 minutes until the hens are burnished brown, juicy, and glossy. -
Rest & Serve:
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
Carve, shred, or serve whole—pair with rice & peas, roasted veggies, or festival bread for the ultimate island-style Thanksgiving plate.
Chef’s Note:
The Z Eats Jerk Marinade adds a deep, smoky, allspice-ginger backbone to the sweet honey-ketchup glaze, balancing heat with richness. It’s the perfect way to turn simple roasted Cornish hens into a bold, sweet-and-spicy holiday centerpiece.