GRILLED CORNISH HENS WITH CITRUS

Grilled Cornish Hens with Citrus image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

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Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil
4 orange zest strips (3 inches)
3 lemon zest strips (2 inches)
3 lime zest strips (2 inches)
2 grapefruit zest 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

Steps:

In a small skillet, heat oil over low heat. Add the citrus zest strips, 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.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 38 g fat (8 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 174 mg cholesterol, Sodium 476 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12 g carbohydrate, Fiber 1 g fiber, Protein 30 g protein.