Grilled Cornish Hens with Citrus Recipe

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A simple citrus oil wonderfully coats moist and tender Cornish game hens. Serving grilled grapefruit slices on the side is an innovative touch.—Delores Moore, Fort Worth, Texas

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Grilled Cornish Hens with Citrus Recipe

Prep: 25 min. Grill: 20 min.

Yield: 4 Servings

25 20 45

Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil
4 orange peel strips (3 inches)
3 lemon peel strips (2 inches)
3 lime peel strips (2 inches)
2 grapefruit peel strips (3 inches)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each), split lengthwise
1 medium grapefruit, cut into 1/2-in. slices
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a small skillet, heat oil over low heat. Add the citrus peels, cinnamon and allspice; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes. Discard peels; transfer oil mixture to a small bowl.
In the same skillet, combine juices. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Stir into oil mixture; add grenadine.
Brush hens and grapefruit slices with oil mixture; sprinkle hens with salt. Grill hens, covered, over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until juices run clear, turning occasionally.
Meanwhile, grill grapefruit slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through. Serve with hens. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 hen half with 1 grapefruit slice equals 519 calories, 38 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 174 mg cholesterol, 476 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 30 g protein.

Originally published as Grilled Cornish Hens with Citrus in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2010, p92