Cameron’s 9th day of Christmas
On the 9th day of Christmas my gourmet gave to me. . .a game christmas dinner for those who would like something different for Christmas!
The game feast!
Dishes on the menu:
Stuffed Cornish Game Hen
Rice pilaf
Mixed Vegetables
Fresh Bread
Cherry Pie for dessert
When I think of this meal I think of Christmas in a hunting lodge in the mountains or perhaps in Wales somewhere. Cornish game hen is a delightful bird however they are so small you have to serve one per person so please keep that in mind when you’re making this meal.
Cornish Game Hen
2 tsp Oregano
2 tsp Rosemary
2 tsp Cumin
2 tsp basil
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup of oil (olive preferred)
4-6 Hens
Stuffing:
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 cups dried bread (chopped into small bits)
1 cup water
Please note, you are going to combine these spices twice.
Combine spices and blend with oil using a food processor or whisk. Baste each hen in oil and lay aside.
Combine spices, water, bread and bread crumbs into medium saucepot over low heat until stuffing is satisfactory (moist, but not drowning)
Stuff the hens’ cavity with the stuffing and baste again for good measure. Bake hens at 400 degrees for 2-3 hours until meat reaches poultry temperatures.
Rice Pilaf
2 cups white rice
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
Up to 4 cups of chicken stock
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Prepare rice until it is sticky. In rice, combine onion, celery, olive oil, chicken stock, and pepper. Boil off the stock. Rice should take an attractive color and vegetables should be soft when done. Serve warm.
2 cups white rice 2 tsp olive oil1/2 cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped celeryUp to 4 cups of chicken stock 1/4 tsp ground pepper
Cameron’s Cherry pie
Prepared Pie crust (yes even I cheat sometimes, I’ll do a great pie crust in a later post)
2 cups cherries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla
Combine, cherries, sugar, water, and vanilla into large saucepot and reduce until the cherries carmelize into a thick sauce. Place one half of prepared pie crust into pie pan. Empty contents to pot into the pan. Place the other half of the crust over the top and crimp. Cut four slits into the top crust and cover with white sugar. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve warm (with ice cream if desired).
Enjoy this meal! Its fun to prepare and the payoff is delicious. By the way another great way to keep food moving at a table is to have a lazy susan for spices and popular dishes at the center. This facilitates the movement of food and easy access for butter, salt, pepper and other condiments. Another good decor tip is to remember place cards for you and your guests. It greatly reduces confusion when it comes time to eat!
Enjoy this game themed dinner. I always love your comments. I would love to see them below!
