Orange-Ginger Game Hens

Marinade

1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 Cornish game hens (about 1-1/4 pounds each), split
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions

1. To make the marinade, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil sherry, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk to blend

2. Loosen the skin from the hen halves by slipping your hand under it, creating a space between it and the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the hen halves in a non-reactive container or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat well, rubbing some of the marinade under the skin. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning once or twice.

3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Reserving the marinade, remove the hens from the container and place, skin side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast the hens for 15 minutes. Turn and roast for another 15 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through.

4. Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Set aside.

5. Remove the skin from the hens and serve immediately with a little of the sauce spooned over. Pass the remaining sauce at the table.