Cornish Hen, sometimes called a poussin, Rock Cornish Hen, Rock Hen or Cornish Game Hen is a hybrid chicken sold whole.  It is not a game hen at all, it is a particular breed of chicken commonly called a broiler chicken. They are smaller in size than a regular chicken, usually weighing 2-4 pounds.

They are a little more fancy than chicken, and renowned for the tenderness of their meat.  The cornish hen marries well with a marinade and is also known to quickly absorb the flavors of a dry-spice rub as well.

This recipe is Courtesy of Epicurious. The maple-mustard glaze is delightful. It would be delicious to mix with white rice or couscous. 

I would suggest that if possible, buy a kosher Cornish hen. They are available in the frozen section of many grocery stores. 

Whether roasted, stuffed, glazed or dry-rubbed, it will present beautifully on your dinner table. It is one of my favorite entrées and is an easy, elegant main dish.

Ingredients for the Maple Mustard Glaze

2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 1/2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
2 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried

2 Cornish Game hens
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine first four ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until butter melts, stirring until well combined.

Pat hens dry. Tie legs together with cooking string (optional,  did not).

Place in small baking pan. Season with salt and pepper.

Brush with the maple mixture. 

Roast until juices run clear when pierced in the thickest part of the thighs, basting occasionally with glaze, about 1 hour.

YUMMY!

It’s that simple!