MOROCCAN CORNISH GAME HENS

Moroccan Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by DailyInspiration

Time 31m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 large oranges, sliced
2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.)
4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.)
2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
12 garlic cloves
1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup marsala wine
1/4 cup honey

Steps:

Arrange orange slices in a 2 quart (13 x9 ) baking dish and sprinkle evenly with dates.
Remove and discard giblets and neck (if included) and rinse hens with cold water. Pat dry. Remove skin & excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place hen halves, meaty side up, on top of dates. Prepare paste. Place cilantro in food processor; pulse 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Add cardamom, cumin, coriander and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Place cilantro mixture onto hens; arrange olives around hens.
Prepare marinade. Combine vinegar, wine, & honey; stir well with a whisk until well blended. Slowly pour over hens. Cover and marinade in refrigerator 2-24 hours, basting once with vinegar mixture.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Uncover hens and bake at 250 for 1 hours 25 minute or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the vinegar mixture. Shield wings with foil, if needed.