Roasted Cornish Hens with Toasted Bread Crumb Salsa
Serves 6
TO DRINK: Sparking wine, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Ingredients
6 Cornish hens, halved (1 to 1 1/2 pounds each)
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 cup toasted coarse bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 scallion, white and green parts, thinly sliced
2 anchovy fillets, soaked in cold water for 2 minutes, patted dry, and chopped
1 tablespoons capers, chopped
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Arrange the hen halves in a single layer, skin side up, on a baking sheet. Brush the skin with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the hens until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the high registers 170ºF, 30 to 35 minutes
Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the vinegar and remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil together. Add the bread crumbs, parsley, scallion, anchovies, capers, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, and rosemary and toss together. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove the hens to a platter, top with the toasted bread crumb mixture, and serve immediately.
