Cornish hen with tart cherry sauce –Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Roasted Cornish Hens with Cherry-Port Glaze. This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavors that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive right into this savory experience!
Image of Roasted Cornish Hens
Take a look at this gorgeous presentation of the dish. It sets the perfect mood for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious meal, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup port wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Roasted Cornish Hens with Cherry-Port Glaze:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Begin by preparing the Cornish hens. Pat them dry with paper towels and then season each hen generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the hens in the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- While the hens are browning, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, port wine, honey, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Once the hens are browned, transfer them to a roasting pan. Pour the cherry-port glaze over the hens, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the glaze every 15 minutes to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
- Once done, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve the roasted Cornish hens on a platter, drizzled with the remaining glaze and garnished with fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.
This Roasted Cornish Hens with Cherry-Port Glaze is sure to become a favorite for your gatherings. Enjoy the tender meat and the sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the dish!