Agave and Almond Sauced Cornish Hen

Serves: 4

   1 cup onions, chopped
   4 sprigs parsley, tied with string
   1 tablespoon vegetable oil
   2 teaspoons black pepper
   2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
   1 clove garlic, to taste
   Saffron threads, to taste
   Salt, to taste
   Water, as needed
   1 cup agave
   1 cup seedless raisins
   4 rock Cornish hens
   1/3 cup almonds, sliced, toasted
   2 tablespoons sesame seeds, tasted
   Crisp greens, for garnish
   Fresh fruit, for garnish

Agave and Almond Sauced Cornish Hen is from the Cook'n with Agave collection.

Lightly sauté onions and parsley in oil in baking pan. Mix spices; season Cornish hens with mixture. Place in 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Remove parsley and discard. Put 1/2 inch water in bottom of pan, coat hens with agave and add raisins. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting 15 minutes or until hens are tender and golden brown. Remove hens from pan and hold warm. Adjust consistency of pan juices and correct seasonings as desired. Arrange hens on serving platter. Generously spoon over pan sauce and garnish with sliced almonds, sesame seeds, crisp greens and fresh fruit.