Imagine the scene: a beautiful golden-brown Cornish hen, its skin crackling under a perfectly seasoned rub, sitting in the center of a Thanksgiving table or gracing your weekend dinner. Bell & Evans Cornish Hens are prized for their flavor, quality, and perfect size for intimate gatherings or special occasions. Today, we'll explore five delectable recipes featuring these miniature marvels, each crafted to bring out their unique taste and textures.
Recipe 1: Citrus and Herb Roasted Cornish Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 Bell & Evans Cornish Hens
- Zest and juice from 1 orange
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine the zest, juice, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the hens dry with paper towels and season the cavities with salt and pepper. Fill the cavities with the lemon halves and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Brush the hens generously with the herb-citrus mixture and place them on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade.
Recipe Notes:
🍋 Note: Allowing the hens to rest for 10 minutes after roasting helps redistribute the juices for a juicier meal.
Recipe 2: Spice-Rubbed Grilled Cornish Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 Bell & Evans Cornish Hens
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix the smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the spice rub.
- Split the hens in half and brush them with olive oil. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of each hen.
- Place hens on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe Notes:
🔥 Note: Check the hens frequently to avoid flare-ups from the fat dripping onto the coals or grill elements.
Recipe 3: Honey Glazed Cornish Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 Bell & Evans Cornish Hens
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil. Cook over low heat until the mixture is well blended.
- Brush the hens with the honey-soy glaze, reserving some for basting.
- Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe Notes:
🍯 Note: For extra caramelization, you can broil the hens for the last 5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Recipe 4: Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 Bell & Evans Cornish Hens
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Mix in wild rice, cranberries, pecans, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the hens with the rice mixture, and secure the cavity with toothpicks or twine.
- Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F.
Recipe Notes:
🌿 Note: Any remaining stuffing can be baked separately in a casserole dish for 30 minutes for additional servings.
Recipe 5: Moroccan-Spiced Cornish Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 Bell & Evans Cornish Hens
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, cayenne) with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the hens with olive oil, then cover with the spice mix.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe Notes:
🌍 Note: Serve with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables for an authentic Moroccan feast experience.
In summary, Bell & Evans Cornish Hens are versatile ingredients that can bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Each of these five recipes showcases different flavors and techniques, ensuring that every time you serve Cornish hens, you offer something unique and delicious. From the citrus freshness to the robust Moroccan spices, each method allows the natural quality of these hens to shine through, providing memorable meals for any occasion.
Can I use these recipes for other types of poultry?
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Yes, you can adapt these recipes for chicken or even turkey. Adjust cooking times based on the size of the bird for optimal results.
How do I know when Cornish hens are fully cooked?
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Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
What sides go well with these Cornish hen recipes?
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Vegetable side dishes like roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with Cornish hens. Additionally, sides like garlic mashed potatoes or couscous can complement the flavors in these recipes.
