Introducing a culinary masterpiece: Cornish Game Hens with Grape Sauce! 🍇 This recipe, born from my own culinary explorations, is sure to dazzle your guests, leaving them in awe of your kitchen prowess. Perfect for a special dinner party or an intimate gathering, this dish elevates the humble game hen to new heights, complemented by a luscious grape sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and sophistication to every bite.
Let’s dive into the culinary journey and unveil the secrets behind this delightful creation.
Cornish Game Hens with Grape Sauce
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 1222 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grape jelly
- 1 cup grape juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- Fresh grapes, for garnish
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
-
Prepare the hens: Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry inside and out with paper towels.
-
Season the hens: Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic granules, tarragon, rosemary, sage, thyme, and paprika. Ensure each hen is generously coated with the flavorful seasoning mixture.
-
Roast the hens: Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast the hens until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the juices run clear when the hens are pierced between the thigh and breast. This typically takes about 1 hour, but cooking times may vary depending on the size of the hens and your oven.
-
Prepare the grape sauce: While the hens are roasting, it’s time to prepare the delectable grape sauce. Using a double boiler, melt the butter and stir in the all-purpose flour until well combined.
-
Thicken the sauce: Once the flour and butter are blended, gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to thicken, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency.
-
Add the grape ingredients: Next, incorporate the grape jelly, grape juice, sugar, and dissolved cornstarch into the sauce. Continuously stir the mixture until it thickens once again, achieving a luxurious texture that will coat the hens beautifully.
-
Assemble and serve: To serve, pour a generous amount of the grape sauce onto each plate. Carefully place a roasted Cornish game hen on top of the sauce on each plate, then drizzle additional sauce over the hens.
-
Garnish: For the finishing touch, garnish each plate with a few small clusters of fresh grapes and a sprig or two of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a burst of color and freshness.
-
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors as you savor each succulent bite of Cornish game hen paired with the heavenly grape sauce.
This culinary masterpiece is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests, making any occasion truly unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a gourmet meal for two, Cornish Game Hens with Grape Sauce is a dish that never fails to impress. Bon appétit! 🍽️
