Cornish Game Hens With Butternut Croutons

1. 1

   Prepare Butternut Croutons, and set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 450u00b0. Season each hen cavity with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and insert 1 clementine quarter into each.

3. 3

   Pull back breast skin of each hen gently, and insert 1 sage leaf. Replace skin, and use a presoaked wooden pick to secure skin to meat. Tuck wing tips under each hen, and tie legs together using butcher's twine.

4. 4

   Arrange hens, tail to tail in 2 rows, on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure wing tips stay tucked. Rub hens with butter, and season with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

5. 5

   Roast hens at 450u00b0 on middle oven rack 45 to 50 minutes or until hens are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160u00b0. Transfer hens to a rack set over a platter, and cover loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Allow hens to rest 5 minutes, and serve with warm Butternut Croutons.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.