Cornish Hens in Honey

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 cup raisins
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cloves, saffron and salt, to taste
4 (1 to 1 1/2 pound) Rock Cornish game hens
Water, as needed
1 cup honey
Parsley and woodruff *, for garnish (optional)

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and parsley. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until onion is softened. Sir in raisins and spices. Season game hens inside and out with onion mixture. Place game hens on rack in roasting pan. Roast in preheated 375 degree F oven 25 minutes.

Remove pan from oven. Pour enough water in bottom of pan to measure 1/2 inch. Spread honey over game hens to coat. Return to oven; reduce heat to 350 degrees F. Roast 15 minutes or until hens are tender and golden brown.

Remove hens to heated serving platter and keep warm. Adjust thickness of pan juices and correct seasoning as desired. Generously spoon over game hens. Garnish with parsley and woodruff, if desired.

* Also known as sweet woodruff, this herb is a ground cover native to Europe. Woodruff is used as a flavoring in May wine, as well as used to season sausages, candies and cooked dishes in Germany and Austria.