ELEGANT CORNISH HENS

Elegant Cornish Hens image

This lovely entree not only looks special, it tastes special, too. Your holiday guests are sure to be impressed.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

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Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each), split lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
MUSHROOM SAUCE:
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, quartered
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon each cornstarch and water
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

Steps:

Rub oil over hens; sprinkle with salt, thyme and pepper. Place skin side up on rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 35-40 minutes or until thermometer reads 180°. Broil hens for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown., Meanwhile, toss mushrooms with 2 teaspoons oil, salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Spread in a single layer on a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes, turning once. Set aside., For sauce, in a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in remaining oil. Add the broth, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, bay leaf and remaining pepper; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until mixture is reduced to 1 cup. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in tarragon and mushrooms; heat through. Discard bay leaf. Serve sauce over hens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 328 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 189mg cholesterol, Sodium 873mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges