Moroccan Cornish Game Hens

Name: Moroccan Cornish Game Hens
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 31 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 large oranges, sliced; 2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.); 4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.); 2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs); 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 12 garlic cloves; 1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup marsala wine; 1/4 cup honey

Submitted by DailyInspiration

"Moroccan recipes are so flavorful and delicious and this recipe sounds wonderful. Prep time does not include marinating time. Not sure where I originally found this recipe -- it has been in my recipe file for a long time. Posting here for safe-keeping."

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Ready In:: 31mins
Ingredients:: 12
Serves:: 8

ingredients

4 large oranges, sliced
2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.)
4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.)
Paste
2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs)
¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons ground cumin
¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground coriander
12 garlic cloves
¹⁄₂ cup pimento stuffed olive
Marinade
¹⁄₂ cup balsamic vinegar
¹⁄₂ cup marsala wine
¹⁄₄ cup honey

directions

Arrange orange slices in a 2 quart (13 x9 ) baking dish and sprinkle evenly with dates.
Remove and discard giblets and neck (if included) and rinse hens with cold water. Pat dry. Remove skin & excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place hen halves, meaty side up, on top of dates. Prepare paste. Place cilantro in food processor; pulse 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Add cardamom, cumin, coriander and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Place cilantro mixture onto hens; arrange olives around hens.
Prepare marinade. Combine vinegar, wine, & honey; stir well with a whisk until well blended. Slowly pour over hens. Cover and marinade in refrigerator 2-24 hours, basting once with vinegar mixture.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Uncover hens and bake at 250 for 1 hours 25 minute or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the vinegar mixture. Shield wings with foil, if needed.