Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: A lot of our customers wonder what a Cornish game hen actually is. A Cornish game hen is simply another breed of chicken that was developed in Cornwall in the United Kingdom. They are smaller than the regular chicken you would buy because they are processed when they’re younger, about five to six weeks old as opposed to seven to 13 weeks old for a regular boiler/fryer. If they were French, they’d be called poussins. They’re always sold whole or halved, and they’re never boned.
One of the best ways to serve a Cornish game hen — by the way, the “hen” can be male or female — is to roast it with stuffing. Here’s a recipe for stuffed Cornish game hens.
Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
2 cups of corn bread, crumbled
1/4 cup of chopped green pepper
1/4 cup of chopped, toasted pecans
2 tbs. dried currants
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tsp. fresh sage, chopped or 1/2 tsp. of dried, rubbed sage
1 tsp. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 Cornish game hens, split
2 tsp. oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp ground cumin
Mix the cornbread, peppers, currants, green onions, and sage, then drizzle with the melted butter and broth to moisten. Toss lightly, then place in a one-quart casserole dish. Cover and put it in the fridge for about an hour.
If the Cornish hens aren’t split, split them lengthwise with a cleaver or kitchen shears. Rinse them, then pat them dry. Make sure they’re as dry as possible so the skin can be crispy.
Place the tips of the wings under the backs, then place the halves cut side down in a 3-quart baking dish. Blend the cooking oil, salt, paprika and cumin, and brush over the hens.
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. Put the covered casserole of stuffing into the oven, then uncover the hens. Bake the hens and stuffing together for about 25 minutes more or until the hens are tender. When you pierce the skin with a knife, the juices should be clear. The stuffing should be heated through.
To serve, divide the stuffing into four and mound on individual plates. Put a half a hen on top of each mound of stuffing.
About the Cornbread: You can make your own from scratch, or buy cornbread mix from the store. Of course, yours tastes better.
About the Walnuts: Spread the walnuts in a shallow baking pan and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t let them burn! Watch the nuts carefully and stir them now and then until they turn a lovely golden brown. Pecans can also be substituted in this recipe.
Visit Us For Ingredients to Make Your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
If you are eager to make this recipe, don’t hesitate to stop into The Butcher Shop for all the ingredients you need, including locally grown hens and the best quality fruits and vegetables.