Part of a continuing summer series by grilling expert Gena Knox.

Roadside stands are popping up everywhere now that summer is here. Georgia's first crop of peaches are in, and they are one of the world's most perfect foods.

My husband and I stopped at a market in Greensboro, Ga., on Sunday as we were driving home from the lake. We came home with peaches, silver queen corn and a couple of organic Cornish hens.

It is always hard to resist buying a bag of hot boiled peanuts, which we managed to snack on as we drove home. Driving country roads and boiled peanuts just kind of go together down here.

Gena's Grilled Cornish Hens with Mole recipe after the jump.

Like many of you, I have certainly cooked my share of Beer Can Chicken, but when it comes to trying something different and absolutely amazing, these Cornish Hens with Mole are outstanding.

Everyone gets their own personal chicken, which makes them perfect for summer entertaining. If you have light eaters then you can always serve halves, but with this dish no one eats small portions.

Grilled Cornish Hens with Mole

PREP TIME 10 minutes + marinate
COOK TIME 35 minutes
YIELD 4 servings

4 Cornish hens
Mole Sauce
1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
4 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon

FIRST Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Rub each hen with some of the marinade, making sure to rub some under the skin. Place hens in zipper-lock bags, adding remaining marinade; toss to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes; remove hens from refrigerator, tossing to redistribute marinade. Let marinate an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.

LAST Preheat grill to medium-high, about 400 degrees F. Oil grill grates and place hens breast side up. Close lid and cook for about 40 minutes, turning hens every 15 minutes. Hens are done when thermometer inserted in fleshy part of thigh registers 165 degrees F. Transfer hens to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes and serve.



I have a feeling this Peach and Mozzarella Salad is going to become my summer staple. Basil and mint are pretty plentiful in my garden right now, and I never allow myself to run out of peaches until the season ends in August.

This dish is a must try because not only is it absolutely incredible, it is also very easy to prepare. The lime vinaigrette is a perfect match with the mole sauce from the chicken and if you throw a few ears of corn on the grill and you will have one heck of a summer night!

Gena Knox is the founder of Fire & Flavor and the author of "Gourmet Made Simple." She's blogging about grilling this summer for Slashfood. For more information on Gena, visit her Web site GenaKnox.com. For more grilling tips, visit the AOL Food Grilling page.