[Count Blucher]

Originally Posted by blondebear

What does the message say? "Roast in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Season to taste."

well, the secret is a little more complex than that...

SPOILER:

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Rub pigeons with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Lightly season hens with salt and pepper.

Place 1 lemon wedge and 1 sprig rosemary in cavity of each pigeon. Arrange in a large, heavy roasting pan, and arrange garlic cloves around pigeon s. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil; pour over pigeons. Continue roasting about 25 minutes longer, or until pigeons are golden brown and juices run clear. Baste with pan juices every 10 minutes.

Transfer pigeons to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan. Tent pigeons with aluminum foil to keep warm. Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan and boil until liquids reduce to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes. Cut pigeons in half lengthwise and arrange on plates. Spoon sauce and garlic around pigeons. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve.

...but it does of course explain why there were no pigeons left to use in the next conflict.