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Raspberry Merlot Balsamic Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cornish Hens

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Posted by in Recipes on Aug 29, 2013 . .

Don’t let the lengthy recipe title scare you, this is an extremely easy sweet-sour way to make incredibly tasty Cornish hens that everyone will love…

  • 1/2 cup Olive Cart Raspberry Merlot Balsamic Glaze
  • 1/4 cup Olive Cart South Haven Aged Balsamic Vinegar
  • 16 bacon slices (3/4 lb)
  • ¼ cup Olive Cart Savory Bacon Olive Oil
  • 4 (1 1/2- to 1 3/4-lb) Cornish hens

Briskly whisk glaze and balsamic vinegar and set aside.

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Cook bacon in batches in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until some of fat is rendered but bacon is still translucent and pliable, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Cut out and discard backbone from each hen with kitchen shears, then halve each hen lengthwise. Pat hens dry and season with salt and pepper, then arrange, cut sides down, in a large roasting pan. Brush hens liberally with bacon oil and wrap 2 slices of bacon around each half hen, tucking ends under. Brush hens with half of glaze/balsamic mixture, reserving remainder.  Roast in middle of oven, brushing with pan juices and reserved glaze twice (every 10 minutes), until juices run clear when a thigh is pierced, 30 to 35 minutes.   Serve two halves to each of your guests or family members.  Enjoy!