Ingredients
4 Cornish game hens
1 stick butter
5 sage leaves
1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
4 strip bacon
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.Step 2Place hens on a sheet tray fitted with a cooling rack in the refrigerator for one hour. Meanwhile, in a small pan over medium heat, melt butter with sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Remove hens from refrigerator.Step 3Preheat two large sauté pans over medium heat; lightly coat with oil. Season hens with salt and pepper and sear, skin side down, in the pans. Sear until skin caramelizes and turns golden brown and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes. Flip birds over and baste with sage butter.Step 4Sprinkle tops with chopped bacon and place in oven to finish cooking, 25 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
