Game Hens With Pomegranates Recipe

Game Hens with Pomegranates

From nikchick 16 years ago

For my birthday my friends bought me a cooking class at Blue Ribbon Cooking School in Seattle. This is one of the recipes I got to make (and eat)!

In a small bowl, just cover pomegranate seeds with the Marsala. You may have to use more Marsala. Gently mix and set aside, covered, for 1 hour.
Season the birds inside and out with the salt and pepper. Drain the pomegranate seeds and mint, reserving the liquid. Stuff the birds with the seed, reserving a few for later, and the mint. Using a needle, truss each bird tightly so that the inner cavity is closed and sealed shut by the two legs. Wrap each bird in a slice of pancetta, using your palms to press the pancetta tight against the bird.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In an oven-proof saute pan, heat the olive oil. Add 3 sage leaves and cook 1 minute before adding hens. Brown the birds on all sides over high heat until well browned, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat and add the remaining sage leaves and the pomegranate seeds. Place the pan in the oven for 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the hens with 3 tablespoons of the remaining Marsala and pat with 2 tablespoons of the butter. Baste the hens with the pan juices and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the orange peel and saute gently for 5 minutes, stirring gently so that the peel absorbs the butter. Remove sauteed peels from the heat.
Remove hens from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle the hens with orange peel and drizzle with pan juices and any loose pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

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" It was excellent "
bradfordblanco ate it and said...
marsala, mint and pomegranate, sounds like marriage in heaven. This would be great with quail too, maybe. Some wild rice and pine nuts or walnuts.
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" It was excellent "
suestonebender ate it and said...
What a terrific birthday present, and what a delicious recipe! Can't wait to try this.
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nikchick Seattle, WA

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Reviewed by 2 people

What a terrific birthday present, and what a delicious recipe! Can't wait to try this.

suestonebender in loved it
marsala, mint and pomegranate, sounds like marriage in heaven. This would be great with quail too, maybe. Some wild rice and pine nuts or walnuts.

bradfordblanco in loved it