Cornish Game Hens Sherry Flambe Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING ORANGE-GLAZED CORNISH HENS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to at 350°. Tie legs of each hen together; turn wing tips under backs. Place on a greased rack in a roasting pan. Brush with butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 15 minutes. Spoon over hens. Bake until a thermometer reads 170°, about 15 minutes longer.

FLAMING SHERRIED ROCK CORNISH GAME HENS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Remove giblets from defrosted birds and discard.
• Melt butter in a heavy skillet with heat-proof handle.
• Season hens with salt and pepper.
• Brown hens lightly all over in the butter, turning frequently, about 20 minutes.
• When hens are browned, add sherry to the pan and transfer it to the oven.
• Roast the hens 45 - 60 minutes, until they are tender, basting often.
• Transfer hens to heated and heat-proof serving dish.
• Invite your guests to the kitchen to "watch the show.".
• Warm brandy in a small sauce pan and ignite it with a long handled match.
• Pour over the hens and serve flaming.

CORNISH HEN WITH TART CHERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Combine sea salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika in a bowl. Place hens on a baking sheet and evenly brush with 5 tablespoons butter. Rub hens with spice mixture.
• Bake hens in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 1/2 hour with white wine. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
• Mix cherries, red wine, orange juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, and cook until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the sauce; whisk until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Drizzle cherry sauce over cooked hens.

CORNISH GAME HENS FLAMBé

Steps:

• Sauté onion in butter until tender; add the mushroom and ham and cook 3 to 5 more minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. Combine the mushroom mixture, rice, 2 to 4 tablespoons brandy, marjoram, and thyme.
• Remove the giblets from hens (reserve for another use). Rinse hens with cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stuff hens lightly with rice stuffing. Close cavity and secure with toothpicks. Truss and place the hens breast side up in baking pan large enough to fit them.
• Bake hens at 350°F for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the hens' size.
• Place hens on serving platter.
• Combine the sherry and chicken broth; brush over hens. Heat 1/4 cup brandy in a small saucepan over medium heat (do NOT boil). Ignite with a long match and pour over hens after the flame dies down. Serve immediately.