Name: Roasted Cornish Hens with Black-Olive Butter
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Makes 8 (main course) servings
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped shallot; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives; 1 tablespoon drained capers (in brine); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 (1 1/4- to 1 1/2-lb) Cornish hens (not frozen), halved lengthwise; 1/4 cup dry white wine; a 17- by 13-inch heavy shallow metal baking pan

Image may contain Plant Food Meal Produce and Vegetable

Roasted Cornish Hens with Black-Olive ButterJohn Kernick

Cornish hens have a distinctive, delicate flavor that can be easily overpowered. Perhaps surprisingly, the extroverted combination of olives and capers doesn't drown out the meat, but gives it an unexpectedly earthy and savory quality.

Cooks' Notes:

·Olive butter can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before using.
· Hens can be stuffed with olive butter 4 hours ahead and chilled, covered with plastic wrap, in baking pan.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Smashed Broccoli Pasta

A feel-good dinner designed to cram a ton of veg in each serving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.