Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Cornish hens, artfully glazed with a tantalizing currant sauce. These succulent birds are roasted to perfection, offering a crispy, golden-brown skin that gives way to tender, juicy meat. The vibrant currant glaze adds a sweet and tangy twist, elevating the flavors of the chicken to new heights. Accompanying this main course are three exceptional recipes that complement the Cornish hens perfectly: a creamy wild rice pilaf infused with earthy mushrooms, a vibrant cranberry chutney bursting with tart and sweet notes, and a refreshing green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CURRANT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS
The very first Christmas we were married, I served this to my husband. It's been a family favorite ever since! We have two children, 12 and 10.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Prepare rice according to package directions. In a large skillet, saute the onion, mushrooms and celery in oil until tender. Remove from the heat; add the rice, pecans, parsley, thyme and marjoram. Stuff hens; rub skin with butter. , Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, for sauce, heat the butter, jelly and lemon juice in a small saucepan until butter and jelly are melted. Combine the cornstarch, vinegar, salt and cloves until smooth; add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , After hens have baked for 30 minutes, baste and bake 30 minutes longer or until juices run clear. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts :
CURRANT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Prepare rice according to package directions. In a large skillet, sauté onion, mushrooms and celery in oil until tender. Remove from the heat add rice, pecans, parsley, thyme and marjoram. Stuff hens rub skin with butter. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, for sauce, heat butter, jelly and lemon juice in a small saucepan until butter and jelly are melted. Combine vinegar, cornstarch, salt and cloves add to pan. Bring to a boil boil for 2 minutes. After hens have baked for 30 minutes, baste and bake for another 30 minutes or until juices run clear. Bake extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. covered baking dish at 350° for 30 minutes.© Copyright Reiman Publications, 1993-1997
Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves
Tips:
- Choose the Right Cornish Hens: Select hens that are plump and have a healthy yellow color. Avoid hens with any signs of bruising or discoloration.
- Thaw Properly: If using frozen hens, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can thaw them quickly by submerging them in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Marinade: The marinade is key to infusing flavor into the hens. Use a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
- Marinate the Hens: Place the hens in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the hens, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before roasting the hens.
- Roast the Hens: Place the hens in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Currant Glaze: While the hens are roasting, prepare the currant glaze. Combine red currant jelly, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened.
- Baste the Hens: After the hens have roasted for 1 hour, remove them from the oven and baste them with the currant glaze. Return the hens to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is golden brown.
Conclusion:
Currant-glazed Cornish hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for special occasions. By following these tips, you can ensure that your hens are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Serve them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will impress your guests.
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