Baked Cornish Hen with Homemade Gravy

Baked Cornish hens are elegant and very simple to prepare. Last night's left over baked garlic rice pilaf (amazing) and previously posted broiled asparagus with orange slices (also amazing) completes tonight's meal!

Ingredients:

2 Cornish hens

juice of 1 lemon, divided
1 onion, sliced in rings
1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp butter, melter

paprika
poultry seasoning

cayenne pepper

salt and pepper

Directions:

Layer the onion rings on the bottom of a dutch oven (If you don't have a dutch oven use a Pyrex and cover with foil while baking). Season the onion rings with salt and pepper. Rinse hens inside and out with water. Pat dry. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon between the two hens. Melt the butter and brush over the hens. Season the hens well with the spices inside and out. Place the hens on top of the onions, breast side up. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth. This will be for the gravy. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 - 2 hours covered.

For the gravy:  Remove the onions and liquids from the dutch oven and set aside. Heat a saucepan on medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter. Add 1 tbsp of flour and whisk together to make the roux. Add the onions and reserved broth. Stir until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the Cornish hens.

Source: daliasdelights original