Crispy Fried Cornish Game Hens Tapaka Recipes

CRISPY FRIED CORNISH GAME HENS (TAPAKA)

Steps:

• With a meat cleaver, poultry shears, or a VERY sharp knife, split open the breast of the Cornish Hen. Carefully remove the breastbone. Cover the hen with waxed paper and pound the flat side of the cleaver or a meat tenderizer to flatten.
• Combine the garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Rub over the hen and refrigerate, covered for at least two hours or as long as overnight.
• Heat the clarified butter in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Brush the garlic off the hen, then place the hen in the skillet, skin side down. Cover the hen directly with something flat (such as an ovenproof plate) and place a heavy object (such as a brick, a smaller iron skillet, or a pan filled with water) on top so the hen is firmly pressed down.
• Cook until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy, about 20 minutes. Turn the bird, re-weight, and cook on the other side for about 15 minutes. Pierce a thigh with a skewer. the hen is ready when the juices run clear.
• Serve on a bed of lettuce, garnished with the fresh vegetables, and accompanied with the Sour Plum Sauce on the side.
• For the Sour Plum Sauce:.
• In a large nonreactive saucepan, combine the prunes and enough cold water to barely cover. bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the prunes are soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Drain the prunes, then pit and put them through a food mill. Return the prunes to the saucepan. Add the cilantro, garlic, coriander seeds, fenugreek, red pepper flakes to taste, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and salt. bring to a boil and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Yaste and add more lemon juice, if desired.
• Cool the sauce to room temperature and transfer to a sterilized 1 quart jar. Top with the oil. seal. and refrigerate. The sauce should stand for at least 4 to 6 hours before serving. The sauce will keep for up to two months in the refrigerator. This makes about 3 cups.

CORNISH GAME HENS FLAMBé

Steps:

• Sauté onion in butter until tender; add the mushroom and ham and cook 3 to 5 more minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. Combine the mushroom mixture, rice, 2 to 4 tablespoons brandy, marjoram, and thyme.
• Remove the giblets from hens (reserve for another use). Rinse hens with cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stuff hens lightly with rice stuffing. Close cavity and secure with toothpicks. Truss and place the hens breast side up in baking pan large enough to fit them.
• Bake hens at 350°F for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the hens' size.
• Place hens on serving platter.
• Combine the sherry and chicken broth; brush over hens. Heat 1/4 cup brandy in a small saucepan over medium heat (do NOT boil). Ignite with a long match and pour over hens after the flame dies down. Serve immediately.

CAJUN-FRIED CORNISH GAME HENS

Steps:

• Combine the Cajun season and pepper; rub over the inside and outside of the hens. Tie the legs together. Place flour in a large, heavy duty, zip-top plastic bag. Add the hens one at a time; shake to coat.
• Pour oil to a depth of 4 inches into the deep pot of a propane cooker; heat to 350°F.
• Carefully lower the hens in the oil; fry for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reads 180°F.
• Remove the hens from oil and drain on paper towels. Remove string before serving.