- 1 lemon, very thinly sliced
- 1 (1 1/2 pound) Cornish game hen, halved, backbone discarded
- 1/3 cup all-fruit orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange lemon slices on baking sheet in two 3 x 5-inch rectangles. Season Cornish game hen halves generously with salt and pepper. Place game hen halves, skin side up atop rectangles of lemon slices. Roast game hen halves 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine orange marmalade, fresh lemon juice, bourbon, grated lemon peel and ground cloves in heavy small saucepan. Simmer marmalade mixture over medium heat until thickened to consistency of glaze, about 4 minutes. Season marmalade glaze to taste with salt and pepper.
- Brush game hen halves with marmalade glaze. Continue to roast hen halves until juices run clear when thighs are pierced and hen halves are deep brown, brushing 2 more times with marmalade glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Serve immediately.