2 (1 1/4 lb) cornish hens, split
1 tbs olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup fruit jam OR jelly

preheat the broiler. line a broiler pan wih foil.

if the hens are not already split, with a heavy knife, cut through the hens at the backbone. turn the hens, skin-side down, and cut through the white membrane on either side of the breastbone. bend the breast backward until the breatbone breaks, then pull out the breastbone and the attached cartilage. cut the hen in half.

in a small bowl, combine the oil, salt, and pepper. rub the hen halves all over wth the seasoned oil and place them, skin-side up, on the prepared broiler pan. broil the hens 4″ from the heat for 15 minutes.

meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, warm the jam (or jelly), stirring frequently, until melted, about 4 minutes.

brush the hens with the jam and broil for 3-5 minutes longer, or until the hens are glazed and cooked through. watch carefully to keep the jam from charring. serve hot.

serves 4