Cornish Hens and Vegetables in Foil Packets

This makes the most moist and delicious cornish hens I’ve ever tasted. It’s from 365 Ways to Cook Chicken. The beauty of this dish is threefold. First of all. the individual packets can be prepared hours before dinner and refrigerated. Secondly, for those on a low-fat diet, this method of cooking is ideal: simply reduce the butter to 1 teaspoon a serving. And last but not least, the bright yellow squash, orange carrots and red-skinned potatoes make a lovely presentation. A mandolin or food processor with slicing blade makes for a quicker prep.

Delia’s Cornish Game Hens (Or Chicken and Rice)

This is my great-aunt Delia’s famous New Year’s Day main dish, with notes for a cheaper version that my mom made most Sundays. It is so good that my sibs and I would fight (literally) over the last bits of rice clinging to the pan! Don’t be tempted to replace the butter with margarine–this is a holiday meal, after all, and you just don’t skimp for holidays! Also, don’t forget to dry the poultry. If you don’t, the butter won’t stick to the skin and help crisp and flavor it. Oh, and canned mushrooms work fine instead of fresh.

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