Mahogany-Glazed Cornish Hen

Name: Mahogany-Glazed Cornish Hen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients: 1 Cornish game hen (20 to 24 ounces), split lengthwise; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest; 2 tablespoons apricot preserves; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 to 1-1/2 cups chicken broth, divided

I make this for my husband and myself for holiday dinners. It's an elegant tradition, custom fit for two. —Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland

Ingredients

1 Cornish game hen (20 to 24 ounces), split lengthwise
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 to 1-1/2 cups chicken broth, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°. Place hen in a greased shallow roasting pan, skin side up. Combine butter, ginger and orange zest; rub under skin.
In a small bowl, whisk preserves, vinegar, soy sauce and mustard. Reserve half of the mixture for basting. Spoon remaining mixture over hen; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into pan.
Roast 20-25 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, adding broth to pan as necessary and basting with remaining glaze halfway through cooking. Serve with pan juices.

Originally published as Mahogany Glazed Cornish Hens in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2013