Cornish hens are a popular choice for holiday dinners, as they are smaller and more manageable than a traditional turkey. While many people may be intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole bird, this holiday cornish hen recipe is actually quite simple and will impress your guests with its delicious flavors and presentation.
The Perfect Brine
Getting the Right Ingredients
One of the secrets to a succulent and flavorful cornish hen is brining. Brining is a process of soaking the bird in a salt and water solution, which helps to lock in moisture and infuse the meat with delicious flavors. For this recipe, you will need 4 cups of water, ¼ cup of
kosher salt, ¼ cup of
brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of
peppercorns, and a
bay leaf. You can also add in other herbs and spices of your choice, such as
rosemary or
thyme, to further enhance the flavor.
The Brining Process
Start by combining all the ingredients in a large pot and bringing it to a boil. Once the salt and sugar have dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Place the cornish hens in a large bowl or container and pour the brine mixture over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
The Perfect Roast
Preparing the Hens
Before roasting, remove the cornish hens from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up. Next, season the hens with
salt,
pepper, and any other herbs or spices you desire. You can also stuff the cavity with
lemon slices and
garlic cloves for added flavor.
The Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hens on a roasting pan, breast side up, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To get a nice crispy skin, you can baste the hens with
melted butter every 10 minutes. Once done, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
The Perfect Holiday Meal
This holiday cornish hen recipe is perfect for smaller gatherings, as each hen serves one to two people. Serve with your favorite holiday sides, such as
mashed potatoes,
roasted vegetables, and
cranberry sauce. The result is a beautiful and delicious holiday meal that your guests will love.
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Introduction: Cornish hens are a popular choice for holiday dinners, as they are smaller and more manageable than a traditional turkey. While many people may be intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole bird, this holiday cornish hen recipe is actually quite simple and will impress your guests with its delicious flavors and presentation.
The Perfect Brine
Getting the Right Ingredients
One of the secrets to a succulent and flavorful cornish hen is brining. Brining is a process of soaking the bird in a salt and water solution, which helps to lock in moisture and infuse the meat with delicious flavors. For this recipe, you will need 4 cups of water, ¼ cup of kosher salt, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of peppercorns, and a bay leaf. You can also add in other herbs and spices of your choice, such as rosemary or thyme, to further enhance the flavor.
The Brining Process
Start by combining all the ingredients in a large pot and bringing it to a boil. Once the salt and sugar have dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Place the cornish hens in a large bowl or container and pour the brine mixture over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
The Perfect Roast
Preparing the Hens
Before roasting, remove the cornish hens from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up. Next, season the hens with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you desire. You can also stuff the cavity with lemon slices and garlic cloves for added flavor.
The Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hens on a roasting pan, breast side up, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To get a nice crispy skin, you can baste the hens with melted butter every 10 minutes. Once done, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
The Perfect Holiday Meal
This holiday cornish hen recipe is perfect for smaller gatherings, as each hen serves one to two people. Serve with your favorite holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. The result is a beautiful and delicious holiday meal that your guests will love.
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