We served Cornish game hens at our wedding many Decembers ago. Like the marriage, the menu choice stands the test of time. Golden, roasted Cornish hens make an elegant presentation well-suited for just about any occasion. A romantic New Year’s Eve, for example.
Cornish game hens, aka Rock Cornish hens, are not really game birds, as they are not wild. The Cornish part comes from their breed not their locale. Cornish hens, simply put, are small (usually 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pound) young chickens. We like them for their individual serving size as well as their moist, tender, mild-tasting meat.
Look for shrink-wrapped Cornish hen offerings in the freezer case at large supermarkets. As with any poultry, look for antibiotic free, preservative free, all natural labeling. Butcher shops may call the birds “poussin” as they do in France, and sell them fresh at this time of the year. If frozen, allow 24 to 48 hours so they can thaw slowly in the refrigerator….