Ingredients

• 4 large oranges, sliced
• 2 cups dates, pitted (about 8 oz.)
• 4 Cornish hens (1 1/2 pounds ea.)
• 2 cups fresh cilantro stems (cilantro sprigs)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 12 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup pimento stuffed olive
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup marsala wine
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Arrange orange slices in a 2 quart (13 x9 ) baking dish and sprinkle evenly with dates.

2. Remove and discard giblets and neck (if included) and rinse hens with cold water. Pat dry. Remove skin & excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place hen halves, meaty side up, on top of dates. Prepare paste. Place cilantro in food processor; pulse 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Add cardamom, cumin, coriander and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Place cilantro mixture onto hens; arrange olives around hens.

3. Prepare marinade. Combine vinegar, wine, & honey; stir well with a whisk until well blended. Slowly pour over hens. Cover and marinade in refrigerator 2-24 hours, basting once with vinegar mixture.

4. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Uncover hens and bake at 250 for 1 hours 25 minute or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the vinegar mixture. Shield wings with foil, if needed.