Main Dishes, Poultry

Cornish Game Hens

  • 1 large Orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 Cornish game hens, cut lengthwise
  • ~ In half
  • 6 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 8 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup Twany port
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 20 Whole pitted dates
  • 10 large Pitted green olives

    • The hens should marinate at least 12 hours, so begin preparing this delicious main course a day before serving.

    Arrangeorange slices in bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Top with game hens.Mix 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped garlic and 1-1/4 teaspoons cumin in bowl. Rub mixture all over hens. Whisk tawny Port, oil, vinegar and honey in small bowl. Pour over hens. Tuck dates and olives between hens. Season with salt andpepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours or overnight.

    Preheat oven to 375º degrees. Turn hens skin side up. Bake hens with marinade, dates and olives until hens are cooked through, basting occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer hens, dates and olives to platter; discard orange slices. Pour pan juices into a heavy small saucepan. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon cumin and boil until reduced to1/2 cup, whisking frequently, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon some sauce over hens. Sprinkle withremaining 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately.

    Makes 2 servings.

    This recipe courtesy of the From My Kitchen Cookbook. 

    Contributed by Ronald Walton of New York, New York. 

    Visit http://www.frommykitchen.net and get your copy of From My Kitchen: Internet-ready recipe software.  Your kitchen will never be the same!