Name: Cornish Hens with Roasted-Garlic Aïoli
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 1D4 hr
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 whole heads of garlic; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 Cornish hens (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lb each), rinsed and patted dry; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup bottled mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives; kitchen string; a small (13- by 9-inch) roasting pan; an instant-read thermometer

Cornish Hens with Roasted-Garlic AïoliRomulo Yanes

Roasting the garlic mellows the flavor, which results in an aioli that is less pungent than traditional ones. Besides enhancing the taste of Cornish hens, this makes a perfect accompaniment to vegetables, lamb, and fish, and it's great as a dip.

Recipe notes

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