Cornish Hen

This dish is delicious over couscous, which will absorb the flavorful broth.

Serve these festive birds with roasted broccoli (as easy as steamed) and a wild rice pilaf with sliced green onions. Finish with caramel ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and chopped walnuts.

Steam broccoli spears, then grill them alongside the hen. Couscous and a cucumber and yogurt salad complete the main course. For dessert, sprinkle raspberries and sliced nectarines with some sugar and a few toasted almonds.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For some appropriate side dishes, dress shredded carrots with a cumin, cilantro and lemon vinaigrette, and add almonds and raisins to couscous. Top it all off with pistachio ice cream and mint tea.

The hens should marinate at least 12 hours, so begin preparing a day before serving.

Ask the butcher to halve the Cornish game hens for you.

At the Fifth Floor, this is prepared with quail. Game hens make an easy-to-find substitute.

(Soy and Vinegar Marinated Cornish Hens)