Easy cornish hens –Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a delectable dish that looks as good as it tastes? Look no further than these Roasted Cornish Hens with Cherry-Port Glaze! This recipe will bring a touch of gourmet flair to your dining table, perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Roasted Cornish Hens with Cherry-Port Glaze
These succulent Cornish hens are glazed to perfection with a rich cherry-port sauce, making them an irresistible centerpiece. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your guests raving about your culinary skills!
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens, about 1.5 pounds each
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 cup port wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the hens: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the cherry preserves, port wine, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Coat the hens: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the hens, breast-side down, for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip them over and brush generously with the cherry-port glaze.
- Roast: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the hens for approximately 45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciously tender meat!
With these beautifully glazed Cornish hens, you’ll have a dish that dazzles not just in presentation but also in flavor. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe will become a family favorite. Bon appétit!