Maple-Sage Cornish Hens with Roast Apples
4

Serves 4

Here’s a dish with classic autumn flavors: sage, maple and apple. It’s a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey for holiday celebrations. We suggest that you use a carving knife to split each cooked hen through the breast bone and then cut out the backbone so that each hen serves 2, although those with larger appetites may want a whole hen to themselves.

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    Ingredients: 
    • 1 cup apple cider
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1/4 cup chopped sage leaves
    • 1/2 shallot, chopped
    • 2 Cornish hens
    • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, divided
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
    • 4 apples, peeled, cored and quartered
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    Method: 

    In a small saucepan, combine cider, syrup, sage and shallot. Simmer over medium-low heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush hens all over with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle inside and out with pepper and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the birds. Place them in a large roasting pan and surround with apples. Drizzle apples with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast 30 minutes.

    Brush hens generously with cider glaze and continue to roast, brushing them with more glaze every 5 minutes, until they are browned and their juices run clear (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone, should register 165°F), 15 to 20 minutes more. Allow to rest 10 minutes, then split each hen down the middle and serve.

    Nutritional Info: 
    Per Serving:560 calories (270 from fat), 30g total fat, 10g saturated fat, 185mg cholesterol, 1000mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 35g sugar), 30g protein
    Special Diets: 

    Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember — we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.

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