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Cornish Hens with Apple-cranberry Rice

Cornish Hens with Apple-cranberry Rice

Savory Cornish Hens with Apple-cranberry Rice make a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Cozy Dinners
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Stuffing
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for sautéing
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion savory base for flavor
  • 1 cup Chopped Celery adds crunch and freshness
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans gives delightful crunch
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage warm herbal aroma
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme complements other herbs
  • 3 cups Cooked Rice hearty foundation
  • 2 Fuji Apples peeled and diced
  • 1 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries adds tart sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley chopped for freshness
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly-Ground Black Pepper for a touch of spice
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider splash for acidity
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider for moisture and sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup natural sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard adds a subtle tang
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon provides a warm taste
For the Cornish Hens
  • 2 Cornish Hens (1.25 to 1.5 pounds each)
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter for golden skin

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Preparation Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the pecans, sage, and thyme. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Combine the sautéed mixture in a large bowl with the cooked rice, diced apples, cranberries, parsley, salt, pepper, splash of apple cider, and maple syrup. Mix well until all ingredients are nicely blended together.
  5. Stuff each Cornish hen with the rice stuffing mixture, gently pressing it in.
  6. Brush the stuffed hens with the melted butter.
  7. Roast in the oven for 70 minutes or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest the hens for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

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