Cornish Game Hens with Sweet-Potato Risotto and Cranberry Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/4 cup ruby Port
• 2 Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise or 1 medium chicken
• 1 pound yams (red-skinned sweet potatoes), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 5 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme, divided
• 1 cup arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine