Apricot-Mustard Roasted Cornish Hens

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. (rack set in middle position). Grease a baking pan then fit a greased rack in the pan.

Step 2: In a bowl combine 3 tablespoons soft butter with apricot jam, mustard, and minced garlic.

Step 3: Using your fingers gently lift the skin from the breast and thighs of the hens without tearing. Stuff with the butter/jam mixture covering evenly under the skin.

Step 4: With butcher's twine tie the legs of the hens. In a bowl mix the melted butter and garlic powder, then brush the melted butter/garlic mixture all over both of the hens. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Place the hens, breast side up on the rack. Pour broth or water into the baking dish about 1/2 inches up the sides of the baking dish. Bake for about 1 hour or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh without touching the bone, reads 180 F.

Step 6: Serve half a hen per person or for a large appetite a whole hen may be needed. Can serve hens with any drippings left in the pan.