Think roasted game hen sounds too exotic for your culinary skills? Not so, says DIY chef Paul Sturkey. Here, he demonstrates how easy it is to prepare this less-common type of poultry to create a delicious entree that will make your guests swoon ....
Q: I'm having the whole family over for dinner. I usually make a roast or a turkey, but I'd like to try something different. Do you have any ideas for me?A: I have a great idea for you: a roasted game hen. Game hens are great during the holidays -- or anytime of year. This recipe features roasted game hens with a cider glaze as a bonus; and I'll share a recipe for some delicious sweet potatoes to go with this succulent dish. Let's get started! Cornish Game Hens Ingredients: 4 Cornish game hens
Juice of an orange
3 Tbsp. kosher salt
2 Tbsp. fresh-ground black pepper Steps:
- Begin with four game hens, just washed. Then, squeeze the juice of the orange inside and outside the birds. The natural sugar from the fruit juice will make the hens really crispy.
- After you've squeezed the oranges -- both inside and outside the game hens, fold the wing tips under each one. This will keep them protected and they'll get nice and crispy on the bottom while the top portion is roasting.
- Next, season the hens inside and out with three tablespoons kosher salt and two tablespoons fresh-ground black pepper.
- Place the birds in a shallow roasting pan. (You may prefer to use a rack, but this is optional; just be sure to lay them breast-side up.) Roast in the center of the oven at 350 degrees for one hour, or until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced.
While the birds are roasting, it's time to start on the side dish. The perfect accompaniment for these game hens? Baked sweet potatoes .... Baked Sweet Potatoes Ingredients: 6 medium-size sweet potatoes
2 cups apple cider
1 cup white wine
1 Tbsp. shallots
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. all-purpose seasoning blend
1 cup unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla extract
- First, cut the ends off just a little bit so you'll be able to stand the potatoes on end. (This will give them a unique and distinctive presentation.)
- Brush each potato with olive oil and coat with kosher salt. (Kosher salt bakes to a perfect texture, making it preferable to table salt.)
- Bake sweet potatoes in a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes or until soft to the touch.
- Once everything is in the oven, it's time to prepare the glaze: pour apple cider and white wine into a one-quart sauce pan.
- Add one tablespoon of shallots; whisk.
- Add one tablespoon of all-purpose seasoning blend, then whisk in two tablespoons of honey.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow to reduce by 2/3 its volume.
- While mixture simmers, prepare the sweet potato topping: in a bowl, combine one cup room-temperature, unsalted butter, two tablespoons brown sugar, one tablespoon ground cinnamon and two teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Stir well and place in refrigerator until the potatoes are ready to serve.
Finishing Tips....
- The Cornish hens are almost finished, so now it's time to brush them with the glaze and put them back in the oven for two minutes. This will allow the glaze to set.
- After two minutes, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving; this will allow them to firm up, while the juices inside keep the birds moist.
- To prepare the meal for serving, finish the hens with the glaze, then turn to the sweet potatoes: cut an X on the pointed end of each potato, and then press the sides to expose the center.
- Finish the potatoes with a dollop of butter topping on each.
- Finally, to finish off the meal, add some French green beans -- these will add color and contrast to the plate: remember, your dish should look just as good as it tastes. And, there it is: a dish that's a little bit different -- and a lot delicious -- to serve at your next family gathering!
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