Couscous-Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Toast the nuts in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove.

Raise the heat to 425 degrees F.

In a small saucepan, bring the broth, the apricots, and ¼ teaspoon salt to a simmer over moderately high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the couscous.

Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork. Add the almonds, ½ tablespoon of the butter, 1½ teaspoons of the honey, the cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Fill the cavities of the hens with the couscous mixture. Twist the wings of the hens behind their backs and tie the legs together.

Put the hens, breast-side up, in a small roasting pan. Coat the hens with the oil; sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Roast the hens for 25 minutes. Baste them with the pan juices and drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon honey.

Continue roasting for 10 to 15 minutes longer, until just done.

When the hens are done, transfer them to a plate and leave to rest in a warm spot for about 5 minutes.

Spoon the fat from the roasting pan and add the water to the juices. Cook over moderate heat, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits, for about 3 minutes, until reduced to ¼ cup. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Cut the hens in half, serve with the stuffing and pan juices, and enjoy!