Ask AI: Include the type of bird, weight, description, 2 cooking techniques, and 1 recipe

Sure, here's comprehensive information about the **Cornish Hen**: ### Type of Bird: **Cornish Hen** ### Weight: Typically, a Cornish hen weighs around 1 to 1.25 pounds (about 500 to 600 grams). ### Description: A Cornish hen, also known as a Cornish game hen, is a small breed of poultry that is a cross between the Cornish chicken and the White Plymouth Rock chicken. It is renowned for its tender, succulent meat and mild flavor, which makes it a popular choice for gourmet meals and elegant dining. These hens are usually harvested young, around 4-6 weeks of age, which contributes to their tender texture. ### Cooking Techniques: 1. **Roasting**: Roasting a Cornish hen is a classic and straightforward technique that enhances the bird's natural flavors. With this method, the hen is typically seasoned with herbs and spices, sometimes stuffed with flavorful ingredients like citrus or garlic, and then cooked in an oven until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the meat is tender and juicy. 2. **Grilling**: Grilling is another excellent method for cooking Cornish hens, imparting a smoky, charred flavor to the meat. The hens can be marinated or rubbed with spices and then cooked on a grill over medium heat, either directly on the grates or on a rotisserie attachment, until they are evenly cooked through while the skin remains crisp. ### Recipe: **Lemon-Herbed Roasted Cornish Hen** #### Ingredients: - 2 Cornish hens (1-1.25 pounds each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) #### Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. 3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. 4. Rub the marinade all over the hens, including inside the cavities. Stuff the cavities with lemon wedges. 5. Place the hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. 6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. 7. Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. 8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your succulent and flavorful Lemon-Herbed Roasted Cornish Hen!