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11/15/2022

~ Chicken or Game -- What is a Cornish Game Hen ~

5dc197498cab24e6117c9bc6_115511 Cornish HenThe Cornish game hen, also known as the Rock Cornish game hen, is the USDA's approved name for a particular variety of  broiler chicken. Connecticut farmers Jacques and Alphonsine Makowsky cross-bred the standard Cornish chicken with a White Plymouth Rock hen and a Malayan fighting cock in the 1950s. They were bred to mature quickly and develop a large breast and weigh no 2 pounds max uncooked (with the most common weight  about 1 1/4 pounds).

6a0120a8551282970b02af148657e5200c-320wiDespite the "game hen" in the name, the Cornish hen is not a game bird.  While the "hen" in the name implies a female bird, males and females are sold and served as Cornish hens, meaning, many aren't hens.  Once cooked, the Cornish hen is known for its tender meat which loves to absorb flavors from creative marinades or spice rubs.  The pianist and comedian, Victor Borge was an early investor and promoter of this single-serving bird, leveraging his popularity to transition the Cornish hen from an exotic item to a common household meal who's petite size and young age give it a unique flavor and succulent texture that bigger chickens simply do not have. That said, it's as versatile as a regular-sized chicken, so, any recipe for any chicken is easily adapted to the mini-chicken (which will cook more quickly).  The small size makes it easier to achieve a crispy skin with perfectly-cooked meat simultaneously with no real need for basting.

Elegantly Easy -- The Rock Cornish Game Hen:

Istockphoto-606234472-612x612Elegantly Easy -- The Roasted Cornish Game Hen:

IMG_6250Easy Cranberry-Glazed Rock Cornish Game Hen:

IMG_6224Easy Barbecue-Glazed Rock Cornish Game Hen:

IMG_6305Easy Teriyaki-Glazed Rock Cornish Game Hen:

IMG_6419Easy Cornish Hen Glazed w/Arby's Original BBQ Sauce:

IMG_6624Easy Buffalo-Style Glazed Rock Cornish Game Hen:

IMG_6644 12.26.32 PMWe are all in this food world together. ~ Melanie Preschutti

(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie's Kitchen/Copyright 2022

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