CORNISH HENS STUFFED WITH ORANGES OVER RICE

SERVES 4

This dish is reminiscent of the fowl dish that Katniss ate her first time in the Capitol, when her mouth was filled with the flavors of an orange sauce. It’s ironic that she had a dish so similar on her return.

Cornish game hens are flavorful and moist, and make a very elegant presentation for a special meal. You can usually find them in the freezer section of your supermarket.

4 CORNISH GAME HENS

2 ORANGES, HALVED

2 TEASPOONS OLIVE OIL

¼ TEASPOON CHILI POWDER

¼ TEASPOON GROUND CUMIN

SEA SALT TO TASTE

GROUND BLACK PEPPER TO TASTE

4 SPRIGS FRESH ROSEMARY

2 BOXES WILD RICE

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Rub each hen with an orange half.

Coat the hens with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, sea salt and pepper.

Stuff the hens with the oranges and rosemary sprigs (cut the orange halves into quarters).

Place hens on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Roast for 15 minutes, then turn heat down to 350 degrees and cook for 30 minutes, or to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

For rice, simply follow box instructions and serve hens over a bed of the wild rice.

Pairs well with Watercress and Almond Salad.