Description
Indulge in the rich, fruity flavors of these Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing. This elegant main dish is the perfect addition to your holiday feast, featuring tender and juicy Cornish hens roasted to perfection and filled with a flavorful apple-cranberry rice stuffing.
Ingredients
– 4 Cornish hens, cleaned and patted dry
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup chopped apples
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped apples, cranberries, onion, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Carefully stuff the cavity of each Cornish hen with the apple-cranberry rice mixture.
5. Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan and brush the tops with the melted butter.
6. Roast the hens for 45-55 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the Cornish hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. You can also experiment with different types of apples or dried cranberries in the stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American