Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish hens
• 3-4 large yellow Dutch potatoes, quartered
• 1/2-1/3 yellow onion, quartered
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus more leaves for topping
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or 4 tablespoons flour
• 6 sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 large apple, sliced
• Fresh parsley, fresh thyme for topping
• Additional sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the seasoning rub:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare Cornish hens: Remove giblets from Cornish hens and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Make seasoning rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, coarse sea salt, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Season hens: Rub seasoning rub onto Cornish hens. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
5. Prepare baking dish: Line a roasting pan or baking dish with onions and potatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6. Roast hens: Place Cornish hens on top of vegetables. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil per hen. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes.
7. Make cider sauce: In a saucepan, combine apple cider and maple syrup. Bring to a rolling boil, then simmer. Whisk in cornstarch or flour until dissolved. Continue to simmer until hens are done baking.
8. Finish cooking: Remove Cornish hens from oven and drizzle with 1/2 cup cider sauce. Add mushrooms and sliced apples. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. Braise: Remove tin foil and bake for another 5 minutes to caramelize the cider and maple syrup.
10. Serve: Remove from oven and drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle with thyme, parsley, and additional salt and pepper.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning rub.
• For a richer sauce: Use heavy cream instead of apple cider.
• For additional vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or Brussels sprouts to the roasting pan.
• For a tangy flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange zest to the cider sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Cornish Hens with Cider and Maple Syrup & Thank you so much!!! <3