To me Cornish Game Hen’s will always be mini chickens. I remember growing up my mom would cook these for us sometimes for Thanksgiving when she did not want to make a whole turkey. They would also make guest appearances during birthdays and other special occasions. As an adult I have come to appreciate them even more because the flavor and the many different ways you can prepare them.
Ingredients
- 4 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-pound Cornish game hens, giblets removed
- 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges
- 4 large fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 24 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/3 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
- Additional rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat hens dry with paper towels. Season cavities lightly with salt and pepper. Place 1 lemon wedge and 1 rosemary sprig in cavity of each hen. Rub hens with 1 tablespoon oil. Season outside of hens lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange in heavy large roasting pan. Scatter garlic around hens.
- Roast hens 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Pour wine, broth and remaining 2 tablespoons oil over hens. Continue roasting until hens are golden brown and juices run clear when thigh is pierced at thickest part, basting every 10 minutes with pan juices, about 25 minutes longer.
- Transfer hens to platter, pouring any juices from cavity into roasting pan. Tent hens with foil to keep warm. Transfer pan juices and garlic to heavy medium saucepan. Boil until reduced to sauce consistency, about 6 minutes.
- Cut hens in half lengthwise. Arrange on plates. Spoon sauce and garlic around hens. Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and serve.
Recipe source: Epicurious
Photo source: Jeff Mauro-Foodnetwork
