Apricot Pistachio Glazed Cornish Game Hens: A Festive Feast
Cornish game hens are a delightful alternative to chicken or turkey, perfect for a smaller gathering or an elegant dinner for two. Their petite size makes them easy to prepare and serve, and their delicate flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of glazes and stuffings. This recipe elevates the humble Cornish game hen to a gourmet experience with a vibrant apricot glaze and a fragrant pistachio dressing. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the richness of the hen, while the nutty and subtly sweet dressing adds texture and depth. Get ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping dish!
## Why Cornish Game Hens?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why Cornish game hens are a great choice for your next meal:
* **Perfect Portion Size:** Each hen is generally a single serving, making portion control easy and eliminating the need to carve.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Compared to a whole chicken or turkey, Cornish game hens cook relatively quickly, saving you time in the kitchen.
* **Elegant Presentation:** Their small size and attractive shape make them visually appealing on a plate, perfect for special occasions.
* **Delicious Flavor:** Cornish game hens have a delicate, slightly gamey flavor that is enhanced by various marinades, glazes, and stuffings.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for the glazed Cornish game hens and the apricot pistachio dressing:
**For the Cornish Game Hens:**
* 4 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each), thawed if frozen
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
**For the Apricot Glaze:**
* 1/2 cup apricot preserves
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
**For the Apricot Pistachio Dressing:**
* 1 cup cooked wild rice
* 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
* 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
## Equipment Needed
* Roasting pan with a rack
* Small saucepan
* Mixing bowl
* Basting brush
* Meat thermometer
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly glazed Cornish game hens with apricot pistachio dressing:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Game Hens**
1. **Thaw the hens:** If your Cornish game hens are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Ensure they are fully thawed before proceeding.
2. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Prepare the hens:** Remove the hens from their packaging. Pat them dry with paper towels, inside and out. This helps the skin crisp up nicely during roasting.
4. **Season the hens:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the hens, inside and out, ensuring they are evenly coated. This seasoning will create a flavorful base for the glaze.
**Step 2: Make the Apricot Pistachio Dressing**
1. **Cook the wild rice:** If you haven’t already, cook the wild rice according to package directions. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. **Combine the ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, chopped dried apricots, chopped pistachios, and chopped fresh parsley.
3. **Make the dressing:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. **Dress the stuffing:** Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the rice and apricots to retain their texture.
**Step 3: Stuff the Cornish Game Hens**
1. **Stuff the hens:** Gently spoon the apricot pistachio dressing into the cavity of each Cornish game hen. Do not overstuff them, as the dressing will expand slightly during cooking. Leave a little room for air circulation.
2. **Secure the legs (optional):** If desired, you can tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine. This helps them maintain a more uniform shape during roasting and makes for a nicer presentation.
**Step 4: Prepare the Apricot Glaze**
1. **Combine the glaze ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. **Heat the glaze:** Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the apricot preserves are melted and the glaze is smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the glaze boil.
3. **Remove from heat:** Once the glaze is smooth, remove it from the heat and set aside.
**Step 5: Roast the Cornish Game Hens**
1. **Place hens on rack:** Place the stuffed Cornish game hens on the rack in the roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the hens, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
2. **Bake:** Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
3. **Baste with glaze:** After 45 minutes, remove the hens from the oven and brush them generously with the apricot glaze. Make sure to coat them evenly.
4. **Return to oven:** Return the hens to the oven and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Baste again (optional):** For an extra glossy finish, you can baste the hens with the glaze one more time during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
6. **Check for doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
**Step 6: Rest and Serve**
1. **Rest:** Once the hens are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
2. **Serve:** Serve the glazed Cornish game hens hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional chopped pistachios, if desired. You can serve them with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t overcook the hens:** Overcooked Cornish game hens can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
* **Thaw the hens completely:** Make sure the hens are fully thawed before cooking. This will ensure even cooking.
* **Pat the hens dry:** Patting the hens dry with paper towels before seasoning and glazing helps the skin crisp up nicely.
* **Don’t overstuff the hens:** Overstuffing the hens can prevent them from cooking evenly and can also cause the dressing to become soggy.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as good apricot preserves and fresh herbs, will enhance the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the glaze to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the apricot glaze to your liking. You can add more honey for a sweeter glaze or more lemon juice for a tangier glaze.
* **Toast the pistachios (optional):** Toasted pistachios have a more intense flavor and a more satisfying crunch. To toast the pistachios, spread them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Different Glazes:** Experiment with different glazes, such as honey-mustard, balsamic, or orange-ginger.
* **Different Dressings:** Try different dressings, such as cranberry-pecan, apple-walnut, or mushroom-herb.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions, to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
* **Use Different Nuts:** Substitute other nuts for pistachios, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or glaze for a touch of heat.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs in the dressing. Thyme, rosemary, or sage would all be delicious.
## Serving Suggestions
These glazed Cornish game hens make a beautiful and delicious main course for a variety of occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Holiday Dinner:** Serve them as an elegant alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
* **Special Occasion:** They are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special celebrations.
* **Romantic Dinner for Two:** Impress your loved one with this gourmet dish.
* **Weeknight Meal:** While a bit more involved than a simple chicken dish, they can still be enjoyed on a weeknight with some simple sides.
**Side Dish Ideas:**
* Roasted Asparagus
* Mashed Sweet Potatoes
* Green Bean Casserole
* Quinoa Salad
* Couscous with Dried Fruits and Nuts
* Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Store any leftover Cornish game hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the hens in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal (the texture may change), you can freeze cooked Cornish game hens. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per hen):
* Calories: 600-700
* Protein: 50-60g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
This Apricot Pistachio Glazed Cornish Game Hens recipe is a winner! It’s a delicious, elegant, and surprisingly easy dish to prepare. The combination of the sweet and tangy glaze with the nutty and flavorful dressing is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a special meal to impress your family or friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable culinary experience!
Enjoy your Apricot Pistachio Glazed Cornish Game Hens!