Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing Recipe - From Cornwall, USA

Region / culture: Cornwall, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of tender game hens with a sweet and savory rice stuffing is sure to impress your guests.

History

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish originated in Cornwall, England, where game hens were a popular choice for special meals. The addition of honey and raisins to the rice stuffing adds a unique and delicious twist to this traditional recipe.

Ingredients

2 cornish game hens (about 20 oz (567 g) each)
0.25 cup chopped onion
0.25 cup chopped celery
3 tbsp butter or margarine, divided
1 cup cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
0.25 cup raisins
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
1.5 tbsp honey
2 tsp lemon juice
salt
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
2 dashes ground black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the onion and celery in 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat until they are tender.
Stir in the rice, raisins, walnuts, honey, lemon juice, 0.25 tsp of salt, cinnamon, and pepper.
Sprinkle the body cavities of the hens with salt. Stuff them lightly with the rice mixture. Twist the wing tips under the back and tie the legs together. Place the hens breast side up on the rack of a roasting pan.
Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and brush it on the birds.
Roast at 375°F (191°C) for 1.25 to 1.5 hours or until they are tender. Brush them with butter twice while they bake.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the raisins in the stuffing.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to the rice mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tie the legs of the hens together before roasting to ensure even cooking.

- Basting the hens with butter while they bake will help keep them moist and flavorful.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the hens are cooked to the proper temperature (165°F or 74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the hens at a high temperature ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute quinoa or wild rice for the white rice in the stuffing for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

The rice stuffing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The hens can also be stuffed ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the hens with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey before serving for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The sweet and savory stuffing complements the tender game hens perfectly, making this a meal that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a beautiful summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and tattered, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of food from years of use.

As I turned the pages, a recipe caught my eye. Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing. The name alone sounded delicious, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try it.

I had never cooked Cornish game hens before, but I was determined to learn. The recipe called for a mix of honey, butter, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful glaze for the hens. The stuffing was a simple combination of rice, almonds, and dried fruit, all sweetened with a touch of honey.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring each one as I went. The kitchen soon filled with the warm aroma of garlic and herbs as I sautéed the mixture for the glaze. I could already imagine the hens roasting in the oven, their skin crispy and golden brown from the honeyed glaze.

As I stuffed the hens with the rice mixture, I couldn't help but think of all the recipes I had learned over the years. My mother had taught me the basics of cooking when I was a young girl, and I had expanded my knowledge by experimenting with different ingredients and techniques.

I had learned to make traditional dishes like pot roast and homemade pies, as well as more exotic recipes from my travels around the world. Each new recipe I tried was like a culinary adventure, a chance to explore new flavors and techniques.

As the hens roasted in the oven, I set the table with my best china and silverware. The scent of the honeyed glaze filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally beeped, I took the hens out of the oven and placed them on the table, their skin glistening with the sweet glaze.

My family gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation. I carved the hens, the meat tender and juicy from the glaze. As we ate, we savored each bite, the flavors melding together in perfect harmony.

As we finished our meal, I thought back to the recipe that had inspired me. It was a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that came from cooking for my loved ones. The Cornish Game Hens with Honeyed Rice Stuffing had become a new favorite in our household, a recipe that would be passed down for generations to come.

And so, as I sat at the table with my family, I knew that the recipe had not only brought us together for a delicious meal, but had also created a cherished memory that would last a lifetime. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and I was grateful for the opportunity to share that passion with the ones I loved.