Recipe: Maple Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Maple Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens
Serves 2

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
2/3 cup orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
2/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup real maple syrup
1 T soy sauce
1 tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 400 F. If necessary, remove neck and giblets from inside hen. Discard or save for another use (note: your hen may already have this done for you). Combine remaining ingredients. Marinate hens in mixture, turning frequently, for at least two hours. You can also do this the day before and marinate overnight. Divide garlic and onion between the two hens. Place in cavity and sprinkle inside with salt and pepper. Using cooking twine, truss the birds (follow link for instructions). Place hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Spoon 1/4 cup over the hens and bake for 15 minutes. Spoon more sauce over hens. Continue to cook hens for 50 more minutes, adding additional glaze every ten minutes or so. Remove hens from the roasting pan. Pour pan juices into a saucepan, along with any leftover glaze. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and skim off any excess fat. Serve hens along with sauce.