Ingredients

• 4 Cornish hens (about 1 lb ea, washed & patted dry)
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 shallots (chopped)
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 8 ounces grapes (seedless & halved, light green or a light color mix preferred)
• 2/3 cup vermouth (white)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons double cream (heavy cream)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
• salt and black pepper (to taste pref)
• watercress leaf (optional garnish) (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Using a soft pastry brush, spread the soft butter all over the outside surface of hens & then put a hazelnut size piece in the cavity of ea hen. Mix shallots & parsley together & place 1/4 of the mixture in the cavity of ea hen.

3. Put the hens side-by-side in a roasting pan & roast for 40-50 min or till the juices run clear when the thickest part of the flesh is pierced w/a skewer. When cooked, transfer the hens to a warmed serving platter, cover & keep warm.

4. Skim most of the fat from the roasting pan, then add the grapes & vermouth. Place the pan directly over a low-heat for a few min to warm & slightly soften the grapes.

5. Using a slotted spoon, lift the grapes out of the roasting pan, scatter them around the hens on the platter & cover again.

6. Stir cornstarch into the cream & add to the pan juices. Cook gently (stirring) for a few min till the sauce thickens. Season w/salt & pepper to taste pref.

7. Pour sauce around hens, sprinkle w/toasted pine nuts & garnish w/watercress sprigs, if using. Serve immediately.