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Larrupin Cornish Hens with Orange-Brandy Glaze





Yields
Makes 4 servings

Notes: You can make the glaze (step 2) up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill.

 4 Cornish hens (about 1 lb. each)
 4 1/2 cups beer such as pale ale (three 12-oz. bottles)
 2 cups soy sauce
 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
 1/4 cup molasses
 2 tablespoons minced garlic
 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
 1 tablespoon dry mustard
 1 tablespoon black pepper
 3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (half of a 12-oz. container)
 1/2 cup brandy
 1/2 cup fat-skimmed chicken broth
 1/2 cup whipping cream
  Orange slices (optional)
Step 1
1

Remove necks and giblets from hens; reserve for another use or discard. Rinse hens. In a large bowl, whisk beer, soy sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, molasses, garlic, ginger, dry mustard, and black pepper until well blended. Immerse hens in marinade; cover and chill at least 4 hours or up to 1 day, turning hens occasionally and submerging in liquid.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart pan, combine orange juice concentrate, remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, and the brandy. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and stir until sugar is dissolved, 2 to 4 minutes. Use warm or cool.

Step 3
3

Lift hens from marinade (discard marinade) and set breast up in a 10- by 15-inch pan. Brush generously with orange-brandy glaze.

Step 4
4

Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven, brushing every 10 minutes with glaze, until hens are richly browned and meat at breast and thigh bones is no longer pink (cut to test), 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer hens to a platter or plates and let stand in a warm place.

Step 5
5

Meanwhile, skim and discard fat from pan juices. Add broth, cream, and remaining orange-brandy glaze to pan and stir often over medium-high heat, scraping up browned bits, until liquid is slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Pour into a small pitcher or bowl. Garnish hens with orange slices, if desired, and serve with pan juices.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 716Calories from Fat 55
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 15g75%
Cholesterol 283mg95%
Sodium 1177mg50%
Total Carbohydrate 31g11%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Protein 46g92%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.