Name: Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each); 2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided; 1/4 cup apricot preserves; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon grated onion; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

These apricot-glazed Cornish hens deliver big elegance with shockingly little effort, making dinner feel worthy of a standing ovation.

Instructions

1 Season and prep the hens

2 Combine the salt and cayenne, then rub a third of the mixture inside the hens. Tuck the wings and tie the legs. Brush the hens with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle them the remaining seasoning mixture. Place them on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake the hens, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes. Editor's Tip: Setting the hens on a rack helps the heat circulate, allowing the skin to crisp evenly. If you don't have a rack, try improvising with a bed of chopped vegetables, such as onions, celery and carrots.

3 Make the apricot glaze

4 Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, honey, grated onion, nutmeg and remaining butter. Cook and stir the mixture until the preserves are melted. Editor's Tip: If the glaze appears too thick, add a small amount of water to apply it smoothly.

5 Glaze and finish roasting

6 Brush the glaze over the hens. Bake the hens for 35 to 40 minutes longer or until they're golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 170°. Cover them and let them stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving them. Editor's Tip: If the skin starts getting too dark, tent the hens loosely with foil.