Honey Poppy Seed Cornish Hens Recipes

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH DRIED FRUIT AND HONEY

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add almonds; sauté until golden, about 8 minutes. Turn almonds out onto paper towels and drain. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add game hens, 2 cups water, chopped parsley, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until game hens are cooked through, turning once, about 35 minutes. Using tongs, transfer game hen pieces to bowl.
• Degrease pan juices. Add honey, dried fruit, and raisins and simmer until fruit is tender, about 15 minutes. Return hen pieces to sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated.) Rewarm game hens in sauce over medium-low heat. Transfer to large platter. Sprinkle with almonds.

ROASTED CORNISH HENS WITH HONEY MUSTARD GLAZE

Steps:

• Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
• Place equal portions of bay leaves, garlic, thyme and chili flakes inside the cavity of each hen.
• Brush the hens with oil.
• Place, breast side down, on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Cover and roast in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 40 minutes. Check at this point to see if the leg pulls away easily from the body and the meat is no longer pink. If still pink, roast for another 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the honey, mustard, vinegar, cumin and cilantro in a bowl.
• Brush over the hens.
• Roast uncovered for another 10 minutes to brown the glaze.