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Chili-Roasted Game Hens
with Jalapeno-Orange Sauce
- 2 cornish game hens, halved
- 8 cilantro sprigs
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- 3/4 tsp. chili powder
(preferably chipotle)
- 1/2 c. hot red jalapeno jelly
- 2 tbsp. orange juice
- 2 tsp. grated orange peel
- 1/2 c. bottled red salsa
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slide fingertips under game hen skin to loosen from meat. Insert cilantro sprigs under skin. Sprinkle hens with chipotle chili powder; season with salt. Place hens,
skin side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Roast 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir jelly, orange juice,
and orange peel in small saucepan over medium heat until jelly melts, about 2 minutes. Brush hens with some jelly mixture. Reduce oven temperature to
300 degrees. Brush once more with mixture. Roast until juices run clear, about 30 minutes longer.
Bring remaining jelly mixture to simmer.
Stir in chopped cilantro and salsa. Spoon sauce over hens and serve.
Makes 4 servings |