How do you cook cornish hens in a oven bag?

Cooking Cornish Hens in an Oven Bag: A Simple Guide

Cooking Cornish hens in an oven bag is a fantastic way to achieve juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

* 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each)

* 1/4 cup butter, melted

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* 1/4 cup chopped onion

* 1/4 cup chopped celery

* 1/4 cup chopped carrots

* 1/2 cup chicken broth

* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

* Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage), optional

Equipment:

* Oven bag (with tie)

* Large bowl

* Baking sheet

* Small knife

* Measuring spoons and cups

* Oven

Instructions:

1. Prepare the hens: Pat the hens dry with paper towels. If desired, remove the giblets from the cavity.

2. Season: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture generously inside and out of the hens.

3. Add vegetables: Place the hens in the oven bag. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the bottom of the bag.

4. Add broth and wine: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using) to the bag.

5. Season and seal: Add your preferred herbs (if using) to the bag. Close the bag tightly and secure it with the tie.

6. Bake: Place the oven bag on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.

7. Rest: Let the hens rest in the bag for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Serve: Carefully remove the hens from the bag, using oven mitts. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips:

* For extra flavor, stuff the hens with a mixture of bread crumbs, herbs, and butter before placing them in the bag.

* To ensure even cooking, arrange the hens with the breasts facing up in the bag.

* The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the hens. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

* If you don't have an oven bag, you can roast the hens in a baking dish. However, you'll need to add a small amount of liquid to prevent them from drying out.

* Serve the hens with gravy made from the pan juices.

Enjoy your delicious, juicy Cornish hens!