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Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: A Taste of Aloha in Your Kitchen

The scent of pineapple still instantly transports me back to my childhood summers spent on Maui. My grandmother, a woman whose culinary skills were as vibrant as the island itself, would often prepare a feast for our family gatherings. Her Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens were always the star of the show – golden brown, glistening with a sweet glaze, and bursting with tropical flavor. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a celebration of family, sunshine, and the spirit of aloha. Sharing this recipe is like sharing a piece of my heart and a taste of those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 2
Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

2 (20 ounce) Cornish hens
½ teaspoon salt, divided
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
3 cups cubed day-old bread, ½ inch cubes, crusts removed
1 celery rib, chopped
½ cup flaked coconut
⅔ cup butter, melted, divided
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons steak sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment Needed

Shallow roasting pan
Rack (to fit in the roasting pan)
1 ½ cup baking dish
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Kitchen string
Meat thermometer

Instructions

Begin by preparing the Cornish hens. Sprinkle the insides of each hen with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set them aside while you prepare the stuffing.
Drain the can of crushed pineapple, making sure to reserve the juice. This juice will be used later for the sauce.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, cubed day-old bread, chopped celery rib, and flaked coconut.
Add 6 tablespoons of the melted butter to the bread mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated. This step ensures the stuffing is moist and flavorful.
Loosely stuff the Cornish hens with the pineapple-coconut stuffing. Don’t pack the stuffing too tightly, as it will expand during cooking.
Using kitchen string, tie the legs of the stuffed hens together to help them maintain their shape during baking.
Place a rack inside a greased shallow roasting pan. Position the stuffed and trussed Cornish hens on the rack.
Transfer any remaining stuffing to a greased 1 ½ cup baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and set aside. This will bake alongside the hens.
In a small bowl, combine the poultry seasoning and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt with the remaining melted butter.
Spoon some of this butter mixture evenly over the hens. This will contribute to a beautiful golden-brown skin and enhance the flavor.
Bake the Cornish hens, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Baste the hens twice during this time with the butter mixture. Basting helps to keep the hens moist and ensures even browning.
In a separate bowl, stir together the steak sauce and the reserved pineapple juice. Add this mixture to the remaining butter mixture.
After the initial 40 minutes, baste the hens with the steak sauce-pineapple juice mixture.
Place the covered baking dish containing the remaining stuffing into the oven alongside the Cornish hens. Bake for 30 minutes. Baste the hens twice during this 30-minute period.
Remove the foil from the stuffing and baste the hens one final time with the remaining butter mixture.
Continue baking the Cornish hens and uncovered stuffing for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the hen reads 185 degrees Fahrenheit and the stuffing inside the hens reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensuring the hens are properly cooked is crucial for food safety.
Once the hens are cooked through, remove them from the roasting pan and set aside to keep warm.
Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the drippings.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the drippings in the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve the Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens hot, accompanied by the cooked stuffing and the sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To prevent the skin from browning too quickly, you can tent the Cornish hens with foil during the initial baking period. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of melted butter for basting. Brown butter has a nutty, caramelized flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
If you don’t have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven to dry them out slightly. This will help them absorb the flavors of the stuffing better.
If you are short on time, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before stuffing the hens.
If you want to add some extra flavor to the sauce, try adding a splash of sherry or Madeira wine.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and sprigs of parsley for an attractive presentation. These hens pair beautifully with a side of coconut rice or roasted vegetables.

Leftover Cornish game hen and stuffing should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the hens and stuffing until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. The sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. It’s best to consume the leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	791.85 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	44.05g	67.5%
Saturated Fat	24.7g	123%
Cholesterol	339.35mg	113%
Sodium	916.8mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	37.65g	12.5%
Dietary Fiber	1.7g	6.5%
Sugars	20.25g	N/A
Protein	59.8g	N/A

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
Replace the crushed pineapple with diced mango or papaya for a different tropical flavor.
Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version of the stuffing.
If you don’t have steak sauce, you can substitute it with Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
For a vegetarian option, consider stuffing bell peppers with the pineapple-coconut mixture and baking them until tender.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen Cornish hens for this recipe?

A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before stuffing and cooking.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out during baking?

A: Ensure the stuffing is moist by adding enough butter to coat all the ingredients. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to the stuffing before baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the stuffing?

A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough, French bread, or whole wheat bread. Just make sure it is day-old or slightly dried out.

Q: What’s the best way to check if the Cornish hens are cooked through?

A: The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this recipe brings a taste of the islands to your table and creates lasting memories with your loved ones, just as it has for me. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. If you try this recipe, please share your feedback and photos – I’d love to see your creations! Consider pairing this dish with a refreshing mai tai or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a truly memorable dining experience. Aloha!

Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe