Cornish Game Hens

Directions

Cornish Game Hens with ZESPRI® GOLD Kiwifruit Marinade

1. Brush hens with olive oil and place in medium bowl
2. Combine ZESPRI® GOLD Kiwifruit, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a blender. Blend for 10 to 15 seconds until just combined
3. Pour marinade over hens, cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Turn hens once after 12 hours
4. Preheat oven 350ºF
5. Remove hens from marinade. Place hens in foil lined baking pan and season with remaining salt and pepper. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until internal temperature reading registers 180ºF
6. Cut hens in half, removing backbone; set aside

Butternut Squash with Panchetta Bacon

1. Place large saucepan over medium high heat. Add 2 quarts water and bring to boil. Add squash; reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside
2. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium high heat. Add panchetta bacon and sauté for 1 minute. Add squash and sauté for 5 minutes until squash begins to brown and season with salt and pepper. Set aside; keep warm

Broiled Leeks

1. Preheat broiler on high
2. Drizzle leeks with oil and place on baking sheet. Broil for 3 minutes until tender. Cool and slice on angle. Set aside

Kiwifruit and Vanilla Bean Sabayon Sauce

1. Preheat oven 350ºF
2. Wrap ZESPRI® GREEN Kiwifruit and vanilla bean in foil and bake for 20 minutes
3. Remove ZESPRI® GREEN Kiwifruit and vanilla bean from foil. Scrap seeds from vanilla bean. Place kiwifruit and vanilla seeds in blender and puree until blended; set aside
4. In double boiler over simmering heat, add wine and egg yolks. Whisk vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes until thick and pale yellow; set aside
5. Mix sabayon sauce and kiwifruit mixture in small bowl. Stir in parsley, cream and cheeses

Assembly

1. To assemble arrange pancetta mixture, butternut squash and grilled leeks in centre of each plate. Place split hen on top. Spoon sauce over hens. Serve immediately

Cooking Time

50 - 60 minutes

Preparation Time

1 hour (plus 1 day marinating time)

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving