Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Description
This delightful recipe hails from the vibrant culinary traditions of Hawaii, as featured in Taste of Home magazine, and is sure to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. These Cornish game hens are beautifully golden brown and remarkably moist, enhanced by a delectable pineapple-coconut stuffing that marries sweet and savory flavors in the most wonderful way. The sweet sauce that accompanies this dish adds an extra layer of richness, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or family gatherings. Both prep and cook times are approximate, allowing for some flexibility in your kitchen.
Recipe Details
| Category | Pineapple |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 40 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Calories | 1583.7 |
| Rating | 4 stars (3 reviews) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 88.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 49.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 678.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1833.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 75.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g |
| Sugars | 40.5 g |
| Protein | 119.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Cornish game hens |
| 1/2 | teaspoon salt |
| 1 | can crushed pineapple |
| 1 | celery rib, chopped |
| 3 | tablespoons flaked coconut |
| 1 | stick butter (divided) |
| 1/2 | teaspoon poultry seasoning |
| 2/3 | cup cornstarch |
| 1/4 | cup brown sugar |
| 2 | tablespoons water |
| 2 | tablespoons lemon juice |
Instructions
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Begin by sprinkling the insides of the Cornish game hens with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, setting them aside for the flavors to develop.
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Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice for later use, and in a mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, bread cubes, chopped celery, and flaked coconut.
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Add 6 tablespoons of softened butter to the mixture, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated with the rich buttery goodness.
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Loosely stuff the hens with this enticing mixture, then tie the legs together with kitchen string to secure the filling.
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Position the stuffed hens on a rack within a greased shallow roasting pan, creating an ideal environment for even cooking.
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Any remaining stuffing should be placed in a greased 1-1/2 cup baking dish, covering it and setting it aside for later.
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In a separate small bowl, add poultry seasoning and the remaining salt to the melted butter, mixing well.
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Spoon some of this flavorful butter mixture over the hens, ensuring they are well-lubricated for the oven.
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Bake the hens uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40 minutes, basting them twice with the butter mixture to enhance moisture and flavor.
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During the final stages of cooking, stir together steak sauce and the reserved pineapple juice into the remaining butter mixture, using it to baste the hens for that extra burst of flavor.
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Bake the reserved stuffing alongside the hens for an additional 30 minutes, basting the hens twice to keep them succulent.
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As the hens approach completion, uncover the stuffing, basting the hens once more with the remaining butter mixture, and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meat thermometer reads 185 degrees for the hens and 165 degrees for the stuffing.
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Once cooked, carefully remove the hens from the pan and keep them warm as you prepare the sauce.
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Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan, skimming off any excess fat.
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In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice until smooth, then add this mixture to the drippings in the saucepan.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes or until it thickens beautifully.
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Serve this luscious sauce alongside the succulent hens and their delightful stuffing, allowing everyone to savor the tropical flavors that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this tropical delight, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself in a moment of culinary bliss!
