Star Anise And Tangerine-Roasted Cornish Hens

• 1 tablespoon grated tangerine rind
• 1/2 cup fresh tangerine juice (about 3 tangerines)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 3 star anise
• 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small onion, halved and cut in 1/2-inch slices
• 2 (1 1/2-pound) Cornish hens

1. Preheat oven to 375u0b0.
2. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/2 cup broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 7 minutes). Strain broth mixture through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Stir in salt and pepper.
3. Separate onion slices, and place them in an even layer in the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
4. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Remove skin; trim excess fat. Working with 1 hen at a time, tie ends of legs together with cord. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under hen. Set hens, breast side up, on top of onion slices; brush tops and sides of hens with broth mixture. Bake at 375u0b0 for 30 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth to pan. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until thermometer registers 165u0b0. Remove from oven, and transfer hens to a cutting board or work surface. Keep warm.
5. Place a zip-top plastic bag inside a 2-cup glass measure. Strain broth mixture through a sieve into zip-top bag; discard solids. Let reserved drippings stand 10 minutes (fat will rise to the top). Seal bag; carefully snip off 1 bottom corner of bag. Drain drippings into a small saucepan, stopping before fat layer reaches opening; discard fat. Bring drippings to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to 3 tablespoons (about 5 minutes).
6. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place one hen half on each of 4 plates; drizzle each serving with 2 teaspoons drippings.

tangerine rind, tangerine juice, thyme, anise, chicken broth, salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion, cornish hens

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/star-anise-tangerine-roasted-cornish-hens (may not work)