Roasted Cornish Hens With Rosemary and Garlic

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Step 2

Rub the hens inside and out with salt and pepper and remove any excess fat inside. Place one sprig of rosemary and one garlic clove in each cavity and truss the hens, if desired.

Step 3

Place the hens in a large metal roasting pan. Brush them with the oil. Arrange the birds on their sides. Scatter the necks, gizzards, hearts, livers and onion around the birds. Place the dish on top of the stove and heat until the oil is sizzling.

Step 4

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, basting occasionally.

Step 5

Turn the birds on the reverse side and cook for 15 more minutes, basting occasionally.

Step 6

Remove all the fat from the dish and add the wine and chicken broth.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to 425 degrees. Place the hens on their backs for a final 10 minutes of cooking. The simmering broth will deglaze the pan as the birds roast, making a gravy. Remove from the oven and pour the cavity juices, including the rosemary and garlic, into the pan. Remove the rosemary and the trussing string, and let the hens rest in a warm place for 5 minutes before carving. Serve with the giblets and onions, if desired.