I make this for my husband and myself for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s an elegant tradition that’s perfect for two. Simply double or triple the recipe if you’re expecting guests.
—JEANNETTE SABO LEXINGTON PARK, MD
PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 2 SERVINGS
1 Cornish game hen (20 to 24 ounces), split lengthwise
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
1. Preheat oven to 450°. Place hen in a greased shallow roasting pan, skin side up. Combine butter, ginger and orange peel; rub under skin.
2. In a small bowl, whisk preserves, vinegar, soy sauce and mustard. Reserve half of the mixture for basting. Spoon remaining mixture over hen; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into pan.
3. Roast 20-25 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, adding broth to pan as necessary and basting with remaining glaze halfway through cooking. Serve with pan juices.