Blood Orange & Chocolate Cornish Game Hens

Servings: 2-4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes resting)

Succulent Cornish game hens with a sophisticated Blood Orange Olive Oil and Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar glaze create an elegant main course perfect for special occasions. The combination of citrus and chocolate creates a complex, gourmet flavor that's truly unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish game hens (24 oz each)
• ¼ cup Blood Orange Olive Oil
• 1 tsp dried minced onion, finely ground
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp orange peel
• 1 tsp red salt (or sea salt)
• 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 1 tsp cane sugar
• ¼-½ cup Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Directions

Prepare the Hens:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together dried onion, garlic powder, orange peel, red salt, crushed peppercorns, tarragon, and cane sugar.
3. Brush Blood Orange Olive Oil all over game hens, inside and out.
4. Rub spice mixture all over the oiled hens, inside and out. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.

Roast the Hens:

1. Lightly drizzle a small amount of Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar over each hen.
2. Place hens in a covered oven-safe dish. Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking for another 30 minutes, brushing Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar over the hens every 10-15 minutes.
4. When internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove from oven. Do a final drizzle of Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar over the hens.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

To Serve

Serve whole or halved with roasted vegetables and wild rice for an elegant, gourmet dinner perfect for date nights or special celebrations!