This and that: Cornish Hen with Apricot Glaze and Wild Rice Dressing

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Cornish Hen with Apricot Glaze and Wild Rice Dressing

Thanksgiving is coming soon and I am not sure if you are like me but a turkey sometimes seems like to much to cook, especially if there is only two for dinner like at our house.  My husband isn't a big fan of roast turkey as he thinks it is too dry.  So often I will make Cornish Hens, you can make as many as you want or as few as you want.  I have made half of this recipe and only had 2 hens and I have double the recipe when I have company.  Cornish hens arranged on a platter always looks nice.


Cornish Hen with Apricot Glaze and Wild Rice Dressing


Recipe adapted slightly from Taste of Home 2007
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped onions (I usually use a little bit more and use red onions)
6 tbsp butter, divided
1 cup cooked wild rice
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ( I don't always put this in)
4 Cornish hens
1/2 cup apricot preserves (I have used peach jelly for this too)
1 tbsp white vinegar

Directions:
In a large skillet, saute mushrooms, pecans and onions in 4 tbsp butter until tender over medium heat.  Stir in rice, apricots, parsley, salt ,pepper and cayenne pepper.  Remove from heat.
Spoon about 3/4 cup of rice mixture into each hen, tie legs together with string.  Place hens on cooking rack, breast side up in baking dish or roasting pan.  Melt remaining butter and brush over top of each hen.
Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until meat thermometer reads 180 for hens and 165 degrees for dressing.
While hens are cooking place apricot preserve and vinegar in small saucepan, cooking on medium heat until you can mix them together.  When hens are done, brush apricot mixture over the top and sides of hens and bake 15 minutes longer. 
Enjoy!


Thanksgiving Dinner
Cornish Hen with Wild Rice Dressing
Pretzel Salad
Glazed Carrots with Dried Cranberries
Finished Hen



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LINKED: Tuesday Tasting, Foodie & Crafts Soiree, Thanksgiving Meal Planning ~ entrees
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16 comments :

  1. Yummy! This looks amazing... but I have to admit that I've never attempted to make a Cornish Hen before (dont' laugh, lol). Thanks for sharing! Pinned :)

    Shauna @ The Best Blog Recipes

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    Replies
    1. Thanks.. Cornish Hens are easy to make and with the glaze it is delicious.

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  2. This looks so delicious. I am making Turkey for thanksgiving, but I will definitely consider doing this for Christmas alongside my beef wellington. Thanks for the recipe! Your photos made my mouth water.

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    Replies
    1. I hope that you enjoy this and thanks for coming by and commenting.

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  3. This looks AMAZING. Pinning right now! (And going to the kitchen for a snack because now I'm super hungry!)

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  4. Looks delicious! Love that glaze! Pinned & Tweeted!

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  5. I love cornish hens and the glaze looks yummmy. Pinned. thanks for sharing :)

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  6. This looks just beautiful! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring dish and definitely pinning! Have a wonderful day! :)

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  7. Stopping by from Daily Blog Boost... just pinned!
    Angela @ LeMoine Family Kitchen

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  8. I've been kicking around the idea of cornish game hens for Thanksgiving this year, since we have a smaller group. These look delicious! Pinning to my Thanksgiving board!

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  9. I've started cooking game hens more often for all of the reasons you said. They're perfect for a small crowd or large one. Yours look beautiful! #foodiescraftiessoiree

    Robyn @ simply fresh dinners

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  10. Cornish hens are so good and these look wonderful. I also love the Apricot Glaze. Stopping by from Tuesday Tastings to follow. Really like your site too!
    Easy Life Meal & Party Planning

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  11. Looks delicious!
    Thanks for sharing at Foodies & Crafties Soirée!
    Gosia | Kiddie Foodies

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  12. Thanks for sharing at the Foodies and Crafties soiree! My husband's aunt made something similar to these for Christmas Eve dinner last year- they were delicious! Pretty sure I polished off a whole hen all my by myself!

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  13. when i saw and read this article i fell the hunger. because all the pictures of the foods are really attractive and most foodish.

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