Glazed Cornish Hens

I made these for Christmas dinner. The flavor is rich; the glaze is sweet and it balances out nicely. They do take some time so be prepared to look after them. We are a family of 4 with two kids and I made three cut them in half down the breast bone and we were full. I actually had one leftover and heated it the next day in the microwave and it worked out great.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  rock cornish game hens (fresh or thawed 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds each)
• 1  small onion, cut into 6 wedges
• 1  lemon, cut into 6 wedges
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine, softened
•  salt (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup orange marmalade (or apricot preserves)
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon  shredded lemon peel

Directions

1. * A 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pound rock cornish hen should take 1 to 2 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F Rinse Hens inside and outside with cold water, pat dry with paper towels. Place 1 onion wedge and 1 lemon wedge in cavity of each hen. Tuck wings under hens. Tie legs together with cotton string (if you have it). Place hens on meat rack in shallow roasting pan (if no rack crumple aluminum foil and place in roasting pan and sit hens on it). Spread butter evenly over hens; sprinkle with salt if desired. Roast 45 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine orange jam, lemon juice and lemon peel in small bowl. Brush half mixture over hens; roast 15 minutes. Brush hens with remaining mixture; roast 15 minutes more or until hens are glazed, juices run clear when hens are pierced with long handled fork and internal temperature reaches 180°F
4. Cut string; discard. Remove onion and lemon wedges from cavities; discard.