Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing

Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing Recipe | Cornwall, USA

Region / culture: Cornwall, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 3

Introduction

Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of tender Cornish game hens and flavorful rice dressing with raisins and sherry is sure to impress your guests.

History

Cornish game hens are a small breed of chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. They are prized for their tender meat and rich flavor. The tradition of serving game hens with a fruity rice dressing likely originated in the United States, where they have become a popular choice for festive meals.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of seedless raisins
3 tbsp of dry sherry
3 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup of sliced celery
1 cup of chopped onion
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
3 cups of cooked rice
1 tbsp of grated orange peel
0.5 tsp of ground thyme
0.25 to 0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
3 cornish game hens (about 1 lb or 454 g each)

How to prepare

Soak raisins in sherry for 15 minutes.
Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet. Add bouillon cubes and stir until dissolved.
Add celery, onion, and parsley to the skillet. Cook until tender.
Add rice, orange peel, thyme, and raisins to the skillet. Toss lightly.
Sprinkle hens inside and out with salt and pepper. Brush with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter.
Fill the cavity of each hen with 0.5 cup of stuffing. Truss and tie the hens. Place them in a baking pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours or until golden brown and tender, brushing occasionally with pan drippings.
Spoon the remaining dressing into a greased baking dish.
Cover the dish and place it in the oven during the last 30 minutes of baking time.
To serve, arrange the dressing on a platter with the hens.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the raisins in the rice dressing.
Add chopped nuts or cooked sausage to the rice dressing for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to truss and tie the hens before baking to ensure even cooking.

- Basting the hens with pan drippings during baking will help keep them moist and flavorful.

- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Trussing and tying the hens before baking helps them cook evenly and stay moist.

- Basting the hens with pan drippings during baking adds flavor and helps prevent them from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth or stock in place of the bouillon cubes.

- Substitute olive oil for the margarine if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The rice dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The hens can also be trussed and tied ahead of time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the hens on a platter with the rice dressing piled high in the center for an impressive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (bouillon cubes). It may also contain sulfites from the sherry.

Summary

Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. With a flavorful rice dressing and tender hens, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was at the local farmer's market, browsing through the stalls of fresh produce and homemade goods. As I passed by a stand selling poultry, I noticed a small flyer tucked in amongst the chickens and ducks. It read: "Try our Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing - a savory and sweet dish that is sure to impress!"

Intrigued, I decided to purchase a couple of the game hens and the ingredients listed on the flyer. When I got home, I set to work preparing the dish. The recipe called for a mixture of wild rice, dried fruits, and nuts to be stuffed into the cavity of the hens before roasting them in the oven. The aroma that filled my kitchen as they cooked was simply divine.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I was struck by the perfect balance of flavors in the dish. The tender game hens paired beautifully with the sweet and nutty rice stuffing, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. From that moment on, Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing became a staple in my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this dish for countless family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from my guests. Each time I prepare it, I am flooded with memories of that crisp autumn day at the farmer's market and the serendipitous discovery of this delicious recipe.

I often think about the origins of this recipe and how it came to be. Perhaps it was passed down through generations of cooks, each adding their own unique twist to it. Or maybe it was created on a whim by a talented chef looking to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Whatever the case may be, I am grateful to have stumbled upon it and to have made it my own.

As I continue to hone my skills in the kitchen and explore new recipes, Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing remains a beloved favorite. It is a dish that never fails to impress, and one that I am proud to share with my loved ones. The joy of cooking and the thrill of discovery are what keep me inspired in the kitchen, and I look forward to many more culinary adventures in the years to come.