Roasted Cornish Hens with Apple, Date, and Almond Stuffing

Cornish hens make a fun presentation, but this fantastic, breadless stuffing works just as well with turkey. Simply stuff the turkey lightly and adjust cooking time based on size. Serving tips: Mound leftover stuffing in a heatproof bowl; reheat and serve alongside poultry. Use kitchen shears to cut each cooked hen lengthwise.

Roasted Cornish Hens with Apple, Date, and Almond Stuffing

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Servings

8 people

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4-6 (about 2 pounds) Fuji apples, chopped
• 10 Medjool dates, pits removed, chopped
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 orange, zest and juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 4 Cornish hens 1 1/4 pounds each
• Olive oil, for brushing

Ingredients 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4-6 (about 2 pounds) Fuji apples, chopped 10 Medjool dates, pits removed, chopped 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 orange, zest and juice 1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 onion, roughly chopped 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped 4 Cornish hens 1 1/4 pounds each Olive oil, for brushing

Servings 8 people Print Recipe

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. When sizzling, add apples and sauté, stirring occasionally, until brown but still crisp, 15-20 minutes. Add dates, zests, and juices; cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat, cool, and stir in almonds and salt.
2. Mix onion, carrot, and celery; place on the bottom of a roasting pan.
3. Preheat oven to 475°. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens under cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Season each cavity with salt and pepper, then loosely stuff with apple mixture. Truss hens. Place hens, breast-side up, on top of chopped vegetables. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 475° for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 400° and cook for an additional 35 minutes, or until juices run clear. Remove skin, if desired. Serve hens with additional apple stuffing on the side.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts

Roasted Cornish Hens with Apple, Date, and Almond Stuffing

Amount Per Serving

Calories 376

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1/2 skinless hen, 3/4 cup apple stuffing):

Calories: 376 calories

% fat calories: 27

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 116mg

Protein: 27g

Carbohydrate: 44g

Fiber: 7g

Sodium: 97mg