Cornish Game Hens Under a Brick |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes |
Ready In: 25 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Crispy and juicy with a delectable sauce of wine and thyme. Very quick and easy to make if you've prepared the garlic oil ahead You'll be licking your fingers in short order. This dish is a bit oily but for a special treat, it's wonderful. Substitute any favorite herb for the thyme, if desired. From Rozanne Gold, a favorite cookbook author. Prep and cook times for the garlic oil are not included below. It will take about 20 minutes to prepare the garlic oil if it's used while still warm. Ingredients:
16 garlic cloves, peeled |
2 cups olive oil |
2 bay leaves |
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns |
1 1/2 lbs cornish hens |
salt & freshly ground black pepper |
3 tablespoons garlic oil, plus more for drizzling, if desired |
1/2 cup dry white wine |
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leave |
Directions:
1. Garlic Oil: Gently heat garlic and oil in a small saucepan for 5 minutes, until bubbles form on top; turn heat off and add bay leaves and peppercorns.
2. Steep and cool; can be kept, refrigerated, for 2 weeks.
3. Cornish Hen: Cut the hen along its backbone with kitchen shears; butterfly with hands; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. In a nonstick skillet large enough to hold the flattened hen, heat the oil over medium heat; add the hen, skin side down and weight down evenly with an aluminum foil-wrapped brick.
5. Cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; remove hen to serving plate (s).
6. Pour the wine into the skillet, add the thyme and reduce over high heat, scraping up browned bits, until thickened; pour over hen and serve immediately, drizzling with Garlic Oil if desired.
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