Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens

🍗🍑 Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens 🍗🍑

Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens are a delicious and elegant dish that combines the tenderness of Cornish hens with the sweet and tangy flavor of an apricot glaze. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this mouthwatering dish:

📜 History:
Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are small chickens that originated in Cornwall, England. They gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century. The concept of glazing poultry with fruit-based sauces like apricot likely evolved from a desire to add depth and flavor to these small birds, creating a unique and delightful dish.

🍽️ Components:

• Cornish Hens: These are small, young chickens, typically weighing around 1-2 pounds each.
• Apricot Glaze: The glaze is made from apricot preserves or fresh apricots, combined with other ingredients like honey, vinegar, and spices. It provides a sweet and tangy coating for the hens.

🔪 Preparation:
Here are the steps to prepare Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens:

1. Ingredients:

   • 4 Cornish hens
   • 1 cup apricot preserves
   • 2 tablespoons honey
   • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Clean and Season:

   • Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Season them inside and out with salt and pepper.

4. Glaze Preparation:

   • In a saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, honey, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it’s well combined and slightly thickened.

5. Glaze the Hens:

   • Brush the Cornish hens with the apricot glaze, both inside and outside.
   • Place them in a roasting pan.

6. Roasting:

   • Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste them with the glaze every 15 minutes.

7. Rest and Serve:

   • Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Optionally, you can heat the remaining glaze and serve it as a sauce alongside the hens.

⏲️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens is approximately 1 hour, including prep time and roasting. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the hens, so it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to the proper temperature.

Enjoy this delightful dish, which beautifully combines the savory and sweet flavors of tender Cornish hens and a luscious apricot glaze. 🍽️👨‍🍳🍑

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens:

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 38g
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 8% of DV
• Calcium: 4% of DV
• Iron: 10% of DV

🍗 Health Information:

1. Protein: Cornish hens are a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

2. Moderate Calories: While this dish is flavorful and satisfying, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content. Be mindful of portion sizes.

3. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the apricot glaze, which provides natural sugars. It’s a delightful sweetener but should be consumed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.

4. Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in fiber. Consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase your fiber intake.

5. Saturated Fat: The fat content, including saturated fat, is moderate. To make it a bit healthier, you can trim excess skin and fat from the Cornish hens before cooking.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides some vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are essential for immune function and skin health. It also contains iron, important for oxygen transport in the body.

7. Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the amount of salt used in the recipe. Be mindful of the salt you add, especially if you’re following a low-sodium diet.

8. Balance: To make this dish even healthier, consider serving it with a variety of vegetables or a salad to increase your fiber and nutrient intake. Balancing your plate with colorful, nutrient-rich foods is a key to a balanced diet.

Remember that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions. Enjoy your meal in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍽️🥗🍗