Cornish Game Hens w/Bourbon Glaze
Ingredients ~
6 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 lb cornish game hens
3 to 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the glaze ~
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider
Preparation ~
Preheat the oven to 400°. Prepare 2 medium-sized roasting pans by spraying with nonstick spray and positioning a rack in the bottom of each. Season the cavity of each hen with salt and pepper, then rub the softened butter liberally over the skin and season the outside as well. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Arrange 3 hens, breast side up in each roasting pan leaving space between them and the sides of the pan. Add 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of each pan and roast for 45 to 50 minutes, basting once with the pan juices and rotating the pans for even cooking.
While the hens are roasting, heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add the bourbon. Bring the mixture to a slow simmer, stir in the honey and apple cider and continue cooking, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes longer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
Remove the hens from the oven after 45 to 50 minutes and brush with the glaze. Increase the heat to 450° and return the hens to the oven for 5 minutes - just long enough for the skin to brown a bit from the glaze. Remove and brush with any remaining glaze. Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 6 servings
