Pomegranate-Honey Roasted Game Hens

Pomegranate juice adds flavor and color to these spicy, honey-kissed holiday hens.

1 cup fresh pomegranate juice*
1/2 cup honey + 3 tablespoons
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cloves garlic, smashed
3 game hens, split in half
Salt and Pepper
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Chopped, roasted pistachio nuts for garnish

Mix pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup honey, and next 5 ingredients; pour over hens. Marinate,  covered, overnight or at least 8 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally. Drain hens,  reserving marinade. Simmer marinade, covered for 10 minutes; reserve. Season hens with salt  and pepper. Bake at 450 degrees F, basting frequently with reserved marinade, until hens are just firm to the touch, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; let rest covered with a tea towel for 5 minutes. Brush each half with 1/2 tablespoon honey. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.

Makes 6 servings.

* For 1 cup of juice, put 1-1/2 to 2 cups seeds in a blender; blend until liquified. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve.