Glazed Cornish Hen

Glazed Cornish Hen Recipe from Cornwall with Apricot Spread and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Cornwall | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Cornish hens are a popular choice for a special dinner or holiday meal. This recipe for Glazed Cornish Hen takes this classic dish to the next level with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze. The combination of flavors in this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

Cornish hens are a breed of chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. They are known for their small size and tender meat, making them a popular choice for individual servings. This recipe for Glazed Cornish Hen puts a modern twist on this classic dish by adding a flavorful apricot glaze.

Ingredients

1 game hen (1.5 lb / 680 g)
3 tbsp apricot spread
2 tsp lime juice
2 tsp soy sauce
0.13 tsp cinnamon

How to prepare

Remove and discard the giblets from the hen.
Rinse the hen under cold running water and pat it dry.
Remove the skin and trim off any excess fat.
Split the hen in half lengthwise.
Place the hen, with the meaty side up, on a rack in a shallow pan.
Combine the apricot spread and the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan.
Place the pan over low heat and cook until the spread melts.
Brush the hen with 2 tbsp of the mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.
Spoon the remaining apricot mixture over the hen.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try using a different fruit spread in place of apricot, such as peach or raspberry. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the glaze to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing Cornish hens, it's important to make sure they are cooked thoroughly to ensure they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hen, which should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving. Basting the hen with the apricot glaze throughout the cooking process will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Glazed Cornish Hen with a side of roasted vegetables and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lime.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Cornish hen in the oven allows the meat to cook evenly and develop a crispy skin. Basting the hen with the apricot glaze throughout the cooking process helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apricot spread on hand, you can use apricot preserves or jam as a substitute. You can also use lemon juice in place of lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the apricot glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This will save you time on the day of cooking and make the process more efficient.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Glazed Cornish Hen on a platter with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Glazed Cornish Hen pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted potatoes, wild rice, or a quinoa salad. For dessert, consider serving a fruit tart or a light and refreshing sorbet.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Glazed Cornish Hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hen in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Glazed Cornish Hen contains approximately 300 calories. This dish is a satisfying and flavorful option for a special dinner or holiday meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Glazed Cornish Hen contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Each serving of Glazed Cornish Hen contains approximately 8 grams of fat. While fats are high in calories, they are essential for overall health and can help the body absorb certain vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of Glazed Cornish Hen contains approximately 30 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Cornish hens are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help support a strong immune system.

Alergens

This recipe for Glazed Cornish Hen contains soy sauce, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Glazed Cornish Hen is a delicious and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a great option for a special dinner or holiday meal.

Summary

Glazed Cornish Hen is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal. With a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, tender meat, and a crispy skin, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Glazed Cornish Hen. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the words were clear and enticing. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always enjoyed cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother work her magic in the kitchen. She had a way of creating delicious meals out of the simplest ingredients, and I was determined to follow in her footsteps. Over the years, I had collected recipes from various sources - friends, family, magazines, and cookbooks - but there was something special about this one. The combination of flavors and the promise of a perfectly glazed hen was too tempting to resist.

I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe step by step. The scent of garlic and herbs filled the air as I marinated the hen in a delicious mixture of olive oil, honey, and spices. I carefully basted the bird with the glaze as it roasted in the oven, watching as the skin turned golden brown and crispy.

As the hen cooked, I couldn't help but think back to the memories of my grandmother teaching me how to cook. She had always encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen, to try new flavors and techniques, and to never be afraid to make mistakes. It was her guidance and wisdom that had shaped me into the cook I was today.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I pulled the hen out of the oven. The glaze glistened in the light, and the aroma was mouth-watering. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I closed my eyes and took a bite of the tender, juicy meat. The flavors exploded in my mouth - sweet and savory, with a hint of spice. It was perfection.

From that day on, Glazed Cornish Hen became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to a delicious meal. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had mastered a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. They would ask me where I learned to make such a wonderful dish, and I would smile and say that it was a gift from my grandmother, a legacy of love and tradition that I was honored to carry on.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Glazed Cornish Hen, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express myself and share my love with others. And with each dish I create, I am reminded of the generations of women who came before me, passing down their knowledge and skills, their recipes and secrets, so that I could carry on their legacy in my own kitchen.

And so, as I continue to cook and create, I know that the spirit of my grandmother lives on in every dish I make, every recipe I try, every meal I share with loved ones. And for that, I am eternally grateful.