11 May 2011

Rosemary-Garlic Cornish Game Hens

Preparing a poultry dish besides chicken can be intimidating, but these juicy game hens are a great, easy substitute to get you out of the chicken rut. Elegant enough for a special occasion, simple enough for a weeknight

3-4 Cornish game hens
1 lemon, zested and quartered
2 tsp. rosemary
3 T. olive oil
12-15 garlic cloves
½ cup white wine
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup water
2 T. flour


Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Clean and drain hens and place in a large roasting pan; rub with 1 T. olive oil and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and rosemary. Place a lemon wedge inside the cavity of each hen. Remove peel from garlic cloves and arrange around hens. Roast, uncovered, for 25 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together wine, broth, and remaining olive oil. Pour over hens and roast an additional 25 minutes, until juices run clear. Baste every 10 minutes.

Remove hens from oven and tent with foil to keep warm. Add pan juices to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Whisk together water and flour until smooth; add to the saucepan. Boil until gravy is thickened. Pour over hens to serve.