Las Camelias Cornish Game Hens

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup tequila
• 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 ounce fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 pickled jalapenos, seeded and sliced
• Additional olive oil for final fry

Method

Step 1

In a bowl large enough to hold the hens, combine the water, tequila, garlic, ginger, onion, salt and pepper.

Step 2

Remove the hens from the marinade; scraping off the onion mixture. Strain the marinade and reserve for the sauce. Reserve the onions and garlic mixture as well.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400º F. Place the hens on a rack in a low sided baking pan or broiler pan, salt and pepper them, then roast them 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4

While the hens are resting - make the sauce. Melt the butter (or heat the oil) in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes along with their juice; simmer 6 - 8 minutes. Add the cilantro and jalapenos and stir 1 minute. Add the reserved marinade, turn up the heat and bring to a vigorous boil; reduce the heat and simmer at least 30 minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. Add any pan juices accumulated from the resting hens and continue to reduce. Add some cornstarch mixed with water to thicken, if desired. Keep the sauce warm.

Step 5

When ready to serve, heat some olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Cut the hens into halves; put them skin side down to sear, turn the hens several times to evenly brown and crisp the skin, about 5 minutes total.