CORNISH HENS WITH SAGE BUTTER

4 Cornish game hens 1 lemon zested

1 stick butter Olive oil

5 -7 fresh sage leave, finely 4 strips bacon,chopped

chopped

Preheat oven to 425°. Place hens on a sheet tray fitted with a cooling

rack in the refrigerator to dry skin out for 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a small

pan over medium heat, melt butter with sage, zest, salt and pepper.

Remove hens from refrigerator. Preheat 2 large saucepans,over medium

heat, lightly coat with oil. Season hens with salt and pepper and

sear, skin side down, in the pans. Sear until skin carmelizes

and turns golden brown and crispy (7-10 mimutes). Flip hens over

and baste with sage butter. Sprinkle tops with chopped bacon and place

in preheated oven to finish cooking (approx 25-30 minutes), basting

occasionally. Let hens rest 10 minutes before serving.