Apricot Glazed Cornish Game Hens With Apricot Rice Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients for Apricot Glazed Cornish Game Hens With Apricot Rice Stuffing

• Cornish Hens
• 1/4 cup water
• Apricot Preserves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray
• Aluminum Foil
• Olive Oil
• Garlic Clove
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• Dried Apricots
• 1 cup brown rice
• Long Grain And Wild Rice Blend
• 2 cups chicken broth

How to Make Apricot Glazed Cornish Game Hens With Apricot Rice Stuffing

1. **Prepare the Apricot Glaze:**
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup apricot preserves, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
3. Microwave on high for 20 seconds.
4. Stir well. If not completely smooth, microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
5. **Prepare the Apricot Rice Stuffing:**
6. In a large skillet, sauté 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots in 2 tablespoons olive oil for 5 minutes.
7. Add 1 cup brown rice and sauté for another 3 minutes.
8. Stir in 2 cups chicken broth and 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared apricot glaze.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
10. Add 1 cup pilaf rice, stir, cover, and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
11. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
12. **Prepare and Bake the Cornish Hens:**
13. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
14. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
15. Rinse the Cornish hens, remove giblets, and pat dry.
16. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder inside and outside each hen.
17. Stuff each hen generously with the cooled apricot rice stuffing.
18. Brush hens generously with the apricot glaze.
19. To prevent over-browning, create a foil tent by creasing a sheet of foil lengthwise, leaving 1-2 inches between the tops of the hens for heat circulation. Crimp the sides to secure.
20. Bake for 30 minutes.
21. Remove the foil tent, brush hens with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for another 40-45 minutes, or until the hens are tender, juices run clear, and the glaze is caramelized. Baste every 10-15 minutes.