Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe from Cornwall, USA

Region / culture: Cornwall, USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens is a delicious and exotic dish that combines the flavors of pineapple, red pepper jelly, currants, and macadamia nuts to create a unique and flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party, as it is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

History

The recipe for Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens is inspired by traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates tropical fruits and nuts into savory dishes. The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy red pepper jelly, and crunchy macadamia nuts creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

4 x 12 to 16 oz (454 g) cornish hens, thawed
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can pineapple tidbits, packed in juice
1 x 12 oz (340 g) jar red pepper jelly*
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
4 cup cooked brown rice
0.75 cup currants
0.75 cup chopped macadamia nuts
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 to 2 tbsp crystallized ginger

How to prepare

Remove the giblet packet from the Cornish hens and rinse them with cool water. Drain and set aside.
Drain the pineapple well, reserving the juice. Place the juice in a small saucepan with the jelly. Heat over low heat until the jelly melts, stirring occasionally.
Cook the onion in butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender.
Add the rice, reserved pineapple, currants, nuts, broth, and ginger. Heat thoroughly.
Spoon about 0.67 cup of the mixture into the cavity of each hen. Use wooden picks, soaked in water, to enclose the filling.
Place the hens breast side up in a roasting pan on a rack coated with cooking spray.
Baste the hens with the jelly mixture.
Roast at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue roasting for 1 hour or until the internal temperature registers 180°F (82°C) to 185°F. Baste every 30 minutes with the jelly mixture.
Cover the remaining stuffing and bake it during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Cut the hens in half and serve them with the remaining rice.

Variations

Substitute the macadamia nuts with almonds or cashews for a different flavor and texture.
Use apricot or mango jelly instead of red pepper jelly for a sweeter and fruitier taste.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly rinse the Cornish hens before cooking to remove any excess fat or residue.

- Soak the wooden picks in water before using them to enclose the filling in the hens to prevent them from burning in the oven.

- Baste the hens with the jelly mixture every 30 minutes to ensure they stay moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

- Serve the hens with the remaining rice and stuffing for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a tropical fruit cocktail for a refreshing and flavorful dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the hens in the oven at a high temperature to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy and golden brown skin.

- Baste the hens with the jelly mixture every 30 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked to the proper internal temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for the currants if desired.

- Use white or wild rice instead of brown rice for a different texture and taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Stuff the hens with the filling and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before roasting.

- Make the jelly mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to baste the hens.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hens on a platter with the remaining rice and stuffing for a beautiful and elegant presentation. - Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor. - Arrange the hens on a bed of lettuce or arugula for a visually appealing and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens with a side of coconut rice or grilled pineapple for a tropical and flavorful meal.

- Serve this dish with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

- Pair the hens with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing and complementary beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the hens in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

- Alternatively, reheat the hens in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens contains approximately 500 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, which come from the brown rice, pineapple, currants, and red pepper jelly in the dish. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens contains approximately 20 grams of fat, which come from the margarine, macadamia nuts, and chicken broth in the dish. While fats are high in calories, they are also essential for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals and supporting overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens contains approximately 30 grams of protein, which come from the Cornish hens and macadamia nuts in the dish. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the pineapple, iron from the currants, and magnesium from the macadamia nuts. These nutrients are important for supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (macadamia nuts) and may also contain gluten (from the brown rice). Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens are a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized.

Summary

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens are a delicious and exotic dish that combines the flavors of pineapple, red pepper jelly, currants, and macadamia nuts to create a unique and flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party, as it is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining, and I found myself browsing through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a recipe for Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens that caught my eye. The combination of flavors and ingredients seemed so unique and exotic, I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been passionate about cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own mother and grandmother work their magic in the kitchen. They taught me everything I knew about cooking, from the basics to the more complex dishes. And now, as I read through the recipe for Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens, I felt a surge of excitement and nostalgia wash over me.

The recipe called for a variety of ingredients that I had never used before - mango, pineapple, coconut, and ginger. It also required a special blend of spices and herbs that would give the hens a burst of flavor unlike anything I had ever tasted. I was determined to make this dish and add it to my ever-growing repertoire of recipes.

I set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients, making a trip to the local market to pick up the freshest produce and spices. As I chopped, diced, and mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of tropical fruits and spices. I could hardly contain my excitement as I stuffed the hens with the fruity mixture and placed them in the oven to bake.

As the hens cooked, I anxiously awaited the moment when I would finally be able to taste the fruits of my labor. When the timer went off and I pulled the hens out of the oven, they looked and smelled absolutely divine. The golden brown skin glistened in the light, and the stuffing inside was bursting with color and flavor.

I plated the hens and took my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the mango and pineapple mixed perfectly with the tangy ginger and coconut, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on my taste buds. I closed my eyes and savored every bite, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

From that day on, Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, delighting my loved ones with the exotic flavors and aromas of the dish. It became a favorite among my grandchildren, who would always request it whenever they came to visit.

Over the years, I have tweaked and perfected the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish - the tropical flavors and the stuffed Cornish hens - remains the same. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and passion I have for cooking and sharing delicious meals with those I love.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to where I am today. Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me - it is a way of expressing myself, of creating something beautiful and delicious out of simple ingredients and a lot of love. And I will continue to cook and experiment with new recipes, always seeking to expand my knowledge and share my passion for food with others.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to be bold and adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone, try something new and exciting, and who knows - you may just discover your own version of Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens that will become a beloved favorite in your own family for years to come. Happy cooking!