Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
Country Woman
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These savory hens are a tasty sized-right twist on the conventional bird. Filled with a well-seasoned stuffing, they make perfect individual servings, reveals Ruth Andrewson of Leavenworth, Washington. "The hens smell so good while baking, folks can hardly wait to eat," she smiles.
SERVINGS: 4
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1-1/4 hours
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons chopped celery
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 3 cups dry bread cubes
- 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 1-1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 to 4 tablespoons chicken broth
- 4 Cornish game hens (1-1/4 pounds each)
- 1 jar (12 ounces) apricot preserves, warmed
- 4 green onions (green part only), optional
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional
Directions:
In a large skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender; remove from heat. Add the bread, mushrooms and seasonings. Toss with enough chicken broth just to moisten.
Stuff hens. Tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a large shallow baking pan. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour.
Brush with preserves. Bake, uncovered, 30 to 45 minutes longer or until meat juices run clear, basting every 10-15 minutes.
If using green onions, first soften them in boiling water or the microwave for a few seconds, then tie over the string used to tie the drumsticks together. Garnish platter with rosemary if desired. Yield: 4 servings.