2 whole pheasants, skin intact
1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, sliced and diced
1/4 cup softened butter
salt and pepper
2 canned beers (Budweiser)
Starting at the neck, carefully separate the skin from the body, trying not to tear the skin. The idea is to create a space between the skin and the body. In a bowl, combine rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon, butter and a few shakes of salt and pepper. With your fingers, spread a layer of the mixture between the skin and the breast of each pheasant. Season outside and cavity with salt and pepper also. Open the beers and pour off (or drink) about 1/3 of the liquid. Place the open beer can inside the birds. If you don’t have a device to keep the birds upright, place them on their backs with the can opening turned up. Place the birds in a baking pan and roast in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 150 degrees. Allow birds to rest for 5 - 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tip – If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, substitute dried Italian seasoning. When using dried herbs, use one-fourth of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
