I have always loved Cornish game hens. When I was a kid, I think I loved them because I got my very own chicken! Now I love them not only because I get my own, but also because I love the taste. A little different than chicken, but still chicken-y.
So, I was excited about this week’s French Fridays with Dorie recipe, Sausage-Stuffed Cornish Hens. These are basic roasted hens with a simple, but tasty, sausage stuffing.
The recipe did not disappoint! The hen was tender and flavorful, and the stuffing delicious. I shared mine with my daughter and she gobbled up her portion! My husband enjoyed the taste, but he does not care for the labor of carving his own little hen. He would much rather have a boneless, skinless chicken breast and just get right to the eating.
While eating dinner, we discussed how these hens are impressive enough for company, but maybe not appropriate to put your guests through such labor. You definitely wouldn’t want to serve these to someone you don’t know very well, unless you know they are adventurous enough to get their hands a little messy.
All-in-all, I was very pleased with the recipe and will certainly make it again, both with and without the stuffing.
You can find the recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Cornish Hens in Dorie Greenspan’s book Around My French Table.
From Scratch 
I split mine before roasting and we each had half with the stuffing. They were good, and really simple to prepare. Glad that you enjoyed them too.
Karen, your Cornish Hen looks like a Cornish Hen should look. I cannot remember what the CH’s in my past tasted like but I wish I could have found bird like you had. I do feel your husband’s pain, however. So many of you chose asparagus for your side and it’s so appropriate. Will have to pick up some in my farmers market – thanks for the suggestion. Glad your family enjoyed this recipe.
I really liked the stuffing too. The hen was just too fussy for me. We usually eat chicken thighs, on the bone, but it’s just one bone. The hen had so many more. I’m glad that you enjoyed it!
We had family visiting, so they didn’t mind getting messy trying to carve these little birds. But you’re right about company!
This is great for eating out on the patio and not afraid to get your fingers licking good!
My Joe doesn’t like to eat any meat where he has to cut around the bone – I wonder if it’s a guy thing?
This was a simple and delicious recipe.
Oh gosh, my husband is the same way, that is why we haven’t had game hens in many years. I on the other hand, have no problem digging right in. Nice job. Looks delish!
My husband loved this dish…he has no problem digging right in and getting his hands a bit messy! He’s the one who usually carves anyway! Your dinner looks so yummy…I served asparagus with mine too! Have a great weekend, Karen!
I loved these too. The meat is so juicy and tender. But agree with your husband that they are a little difficult to eat. We gave up on knife and fork and went with our fingers. Tasty, but probably a little messy for company.
Your cooking is as amazing as your photography skills! This looks amazing and so delicious.
Your dish looks wonderful! I think that individual servings of anything are fun. I probably wouldn’t have thought of that, but I do know several (many?) people who don’t like to eat anything on the bone – this would surely send them over the edge! Happy that you enjoyed them!
I think it is so funny to hear so many of us comment on the angst of dealing with the bones. When growing up (though I am sure I am dating myself here….) Cornish Hens would have been a fancy dinner item. I actually can’t recall the last time I made them and enjoyed having them this week, not to mention that yummy sausage stuffing, but my family does agree with the other comments on how it “slowed them down” in the enjoying part of it. I guess this should be a good thing, the whole slow down and savor life and meals. But not for my guys. Dinner guests too will probably enjoy a version of this with a big chicken breast, so there is less chopping. But glad you enjoyed it like we did !