ROASTED CORNISH HEN WITH MUSTARD SEED TOPPING

Roasted Cornish Hen with Mustard Seed Topping image

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

a 1 1/2-pound Cornish hen
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth

Steps:

Remove the backbone from the hen with poultry shears or a sharp knife, put the hen, skin side up, on a work surface, and press down the breastbone to flatten the hen. In an ovenproof skillet roast the hen, skin side up, in a preheated 450°F. oven for 10 minutes. While the hen is roasting, in a small bowl whisk together the oil, the mustard, the mustard seeds, the rosemary, the garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the hen from the oven, spread the mustard mixture over the skin, and roast the hen for 15 minutes. Transfer the hen to a preheated broiler and broil it about 4 inches from the heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp. (Do not let the mustard seeds burn.) Transfer the hen to a platter and keep it warm. To the skillet add the wine and boil the mixture over high heat until it is reduced by half. Add the broth, boil the mixture for 1 minute, scraping up and brown bits, and add any juices that have accumulated on the platter. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve onto 2 plates, cut the hen in half with a sharp knife, and arrange each half on top of the sauce.