Cornish Game Hens Stuffed With Apricots & Prunes

13 ingredients
14 steps

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 Cornish hens, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lb each
  • 12 pitted prunes
  • 8 dried apricots
  • 1/2 small lemon, cut into 6 thin slices
  • 1/4 cup shallots or 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
  • 1 cup chicken stock or 1 cup chicken bouillon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste (less if using canned stock or bouillon)
  • 1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and halved (about 4)
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier

Directions

  1. 1
    Heat the oil in the pressure cooker.
  2. 2
    Brown the hens well on both sides.
  3. 3
    Stuff each hen with 6 prunes and 4 apricots, interspersing the lemon slices among the dried fruits.
  4. 4
    Truss the hens and set aside.
  5. 5
    In the fat remaining in the cooker, saute the shallots, celery and ginger for 2 minutes.
  6. 6
    Stir in the stock and salt; scrape up any browned bits that are sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  7. 7
    Place the hens side by side in the sauce.
  8. 8
    (You may need to put one hen on its side) Place the sweet potatoes on top Lock the lid in place and over high heat bring to high pressure.
  9. 9
    Adjust the heat to maintain high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
  10. 10
    Quick release the pressure and check for doness by inserting a knife into the drumstick joint; if the meat is still pink, lock the lide back in place and return to high pressure, and cook for another minute or two.
  11. 11
    Transfer the hens to a platter; remove the trussing.
  12. 12
    Reserve in a warm place.
  13. 13
    Add the orange zest and Grand Marnier and boil the sauce over high heat until the alcohol burns off and the sauce is reduced slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  14. 14
    Serve in a sauce boat, or pour over the stuffed hens.

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