Roasted Citrus-Herb Game Hens with Crouton Salad

Name: Roasted Citrus-Herb Game Hens with Crouton Salad
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 (8-ounce) loaf of rosemary, olive, or plain rustic bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/3 cup pine nuts; 3 packed cups (3 ounces) arugula; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 (1 1/2- to 2-pound) Cornish game hens; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 shallots, minced; 2 tablespoons grated orange zest (from 2 medium oranges); 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (from about 3 lemons); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Marsala wine or dry sherry; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon); 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup dried cranberries or currants; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

December 20, 2011

Few things are more enticing than the smell of a chicken roasting, but for a special meal or a romantic evening such as Valentine’s Day, I like to serve game hens, so each person can have a whole bird of his or her own. It’s a beautiful presentation that is ridiculously easy to put together, and the pan juices, full of fresh citrus flavors, are especially delicious. If you prefer, though, you can easily make this with a large chicken; just increase the roasting time to 60 to 75 minutes, depending on its weight.

Recipe notes

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