Grilled Cornish Game Hens With Pesto Recipe

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Grilled Cornish Game Hens With Pesto
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Ingredients
8
Count
Nutrition
292
Calories
Total time
45
Minutes
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Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Cut off the wing tips of the Cornish hens.
  2. Split open, cutting through the breast.
  3. Split in half through the back by cutting on both sides of the backbone.
  4. Using a small, sharp knife, remove the ribs and breastbone.
  5. These bones are easily removed and doing so makes it much easier for the diner to enjoy.
  6. Slip your fingers under the skin to separate it from the meat. Go in from the side which was next to the backbone. This is where the pesto stuffing goes. Set hen aside while preparing the pesto.
  7. Give the garlic cloves a firm whack with the side of a knife to remove the skin.
  8. Crush to release the oils then place in a food processor along with the parmesan cheese, pine nuts, basil leaves,parsley,salt and freshly ground pepper.
  9. Process until finely ground.
  10. Slowly add just enough olive oil to make the pesto pasty and moist, but not runny.
  11. Place about 2 tablespoons of the stuffing under the skin of each half and evenly distribute it by applying gentle pressure to the skin.
  12. Any remaining pesto can be placed in a covered container and refrigerated for several weeks. Because the parsley has been added it will retain its bright green color.
  13. Sprinkle the skin with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  14. Lightly drizzle with olive oil.
  15. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  16. Close to serving time, place about six pieces of pecan or oak chips in water to soak.
  17. Get a charcoal fire ready to grill on or turn on the gas grill if using that.
  18. Place the wet wood chips on the coals/ burner to create flavorful smoke.
  19. Grill the stuffed hens until richly browned on both sides, about 10-20 minutes in all, depending on size of hen.
  20. Serve immediately.
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Nutrition Facts

Per ServingPer 100 g
Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories 291.55 Kcal (1221 kJ)
Calories from fat 167.7 Kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18.63g 29%
Cholesterol 114.25mg 38%
Sodium 179.61mg 7%
Potassium 421.2mg 9%
Total Carbs 2g 1%
Sugars 0.45g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0.59g 2%
Protein 27.79g 56%
Vitamin C 7.6mg 13%
Iron 2.2mg 12%
Calcium 102.2mg 10%
Amount Per 100 g
Calories 191.71 Kcal (803 kJ)
Calories from fat 110.27 Kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12.25g 29%
Cholesterol 75.12mg 38%
Sodium 118.1mg 7%
Potassium 276.95mg 9%
Total Carbs 1.31g 1%
Sugars 0.29g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0.38g 2%
Protein 18.28g 56%
Vitamin C 5mg 13%
Iron 1.4mg 12%
Calcium 67.2mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

  • salty
  • savory
  • bitter
  • sweet
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Recipe Tags

Weightwatchers Points

  • 7.3
    Points
  • 8
    PointsPlus

Good Points

  • saturated fat free,
  • low sodium,
  • sugar free

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