Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Cranberry-stuffed Cornish game hens offer a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet orange flavors, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup chopped cranberries ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 cups toasted raisin bread cubes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons prepared orange juice ⓘ
- 4 washed game hens (salted inside, optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the chopped cranberries, sugar, grated orange peel, salt (optional), and ground cinnamon together.
- Add the toasted raisin bread cubes, melted butter or margarine, and prepared orange juice. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stuff the mixture into the washed and salted (optional) game hens.
- Place the stuffed hens in a baking dish and baste with the orange juice mixture.
- Bake at 350°F until done, about 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally.
- Check the hens after 1 hour to monitor doneness.
- Serve hot, enjoying the flavorful stuffing and tender hens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more balanced flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing. If you don't have raisin bread, any sweet bread or even regular bread with added dried fruits can work well. Be sure to baste the hens periodically to keep them moist and flavorful during baking. For a unique twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Consider serving it alongside a cranberry sauce for extra flavor. For a complete meal, you might add mashed potatoes or quinoa for a hearty side. A light white wine or sparkling cider complements the dish nicely, enhancing the festive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed Cornish game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions if you're short on time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Game Hens contains roughly 588 calories, with 10g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (349% of the Daily Value), calcium (140% of the Daily Value), and iron (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to stuff the hens just before baking to keep the bread cubes from getting too soggy. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, making the dish even more delicious.
What should I do if I can't find Cornish game hens?
If Cornish game hens are unavailable, you can substitute with small roasters or even capons, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Alternatively, you could make individual servings using chicken thighs or breasts stuffed with the cranberry mixture, which will also work well.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of chopped cranberries?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used in place of dried ones, but they are quite tart. To balance the flavor, you may want to increase the sugar slightly. Cooking the fresh cranberries briefly before mixing can also help soften their tartness, enhancing the overall stuffing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).