Best 2 Currant Glazed Cornish Hens Recipes

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Cornish hens, also known as rock Cornish game hens, are small, flavorful birds that make a delicious and elegant meal. They are perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Cornish hens can be roasted, grilled, or fried, but one of the most popular ways to cook them is to glaze them with a sweet and tangy currant glaze. This glaze adds a wonderful flavor to the hens and helps to keep them moist during cooking. There are many different recipes for currant glazed cornish hens, but they all share a few common ingredients, such as currants, butter, brown sugar, and orange juice. The glaze is typically brushed onto the hens before they are roasted, and it is often basted with the glaze during cooking to ensure that the hens are evenly coated.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CURRANT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Currant-Glazed Cornish Hens image

The very first Christmas we were married, I served this to my husband. It's been a family favorite ever since! We have two children, 12 and 10.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 package (6 ounces) long grain and wild rice mix
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
CURRANT SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup currant jelly
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
3 whole cloves

Steps:

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. In a large skillet, saute the onion, mushrooms and celery in oil until tender. Remove from the heat; add the rice, pecans, parsley, thyme and marjoram. Stuff hens; rub skin with butter. , Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, for sauce, heat the butter, jelly and lemon juice in a small saucepan until butter and jelly are melted. Combine the cornstarch, vinegar, salt and cloves until smooth; add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , After hens have baked for 30 minutes, baste and bake 30 minutes longer or until juices run clear. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts :

CURRANT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Currant-Glazed Cornish Hens image

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (6-ounce) package long grain and wild rice mix
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons cooking oils
1/2 cup , chopped pecans, , toasted
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
4 Cornish hens
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
CURRANT SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 cup currant jelly
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
3 whole cloves

Steps:

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. In a large skillet, sauté onion, mushrooms and celery in oil until tender. Remove from the heat add rice, pecans, parsley, thyme and marjoram. Stuff hens rub skin with butter. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, for sauce, heat butter, jelly and lemon juice in a small saucepan until butter and jelly are melted. Combine vinegar, cornstarch, salt and cloves add to pan. Bring to a boil boil for 2 minutes. After hens have baked for 30 minutes, baste and bake for another 30 minutes or until juices run clear. Bake extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. covered baking dish at 350° for 30 minutes.© Copyright Reiman Publications, 1993-1997

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • Choose the right Cornish hens. Look for hens that are plump and have a moist appearance. Avoid hens that are bruised or have freezer burn.
  • Prepare the hens properly. Rinse the hens inside and out with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or pinfeathers.
  • Make sure the glaze is thick enough. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the hens evenly. If it is too thin, it will run off the hens and not provide enough flavor.
  • Baste the hens frequently. Basting the hens helps to keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. Baste the hens every 15-20 minutes with the glaze.
  • Cook the hens to the proper temperature. The hens are done cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.

Conclusion:

Currant-glazed Cornish hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any special occasion. With their crispy skin, tender meat, and sweet and tangy glaze, these hens are sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a special dish to serve, give currant-glazed Cornish hens a try. You won't be disappointed!

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