Three stages of Chickendom.
These hens started out in April as 25 one day old chicks, the meat chicken version, not the egg laying version. They were cared for in a brooder with a nice warm heat lamp through the cold nights, losing only 2 birds. They were fed and watered and looked after in the chicken coop under some shady trees for about 8 or 9 weeks, and then it was time to say goodbye.
It was a good life, but a short life.
They had a ride to the processor, a Mennonite business, and turned into prepared roasting hens for the freezer, each around 7lb in weight. This one was marinated overnight in a marinade of salt, some sugar, olive oil, garlic, an assortment of herbs and spices and sauces. Secret recipe, my son won't divulge the ingredients.
Split down the backbone, and "spatchcocked" on the BBQ, then after a couple of hours on a very low flame and lots of basting with a home made BBQ sauce......
...... the best BBQ juicy chicken ever tasted!
Apologies to any vegetarians/vegans reading this.
