We were preparing for the Super Bowl this weekend (since it truly is the only football game John and I watch each year). In preparation, we decided to just eat tailgate food. OK…I completely made that up, but we did have two tailgate-y type meals this weekend. Close enough, right? :)The first was beer can Cornish game hens and the second just loads of snacks for the Super Bowl.
People usually make beer can chickens, but I like to make game hens because they are already portioned out for you…although, a half of a game hen is more than enough for me…and they are delicious! Either way, it is like the 12-ounce can of beer (or soda can if you choose) and the Cornish game hen were meant for each other! The can fits perfectly. Obviously, the beer doesn’t cook into the chicken; it just acts as a vessel to keep the hen moist. It really is the best way I know how to cook game hens.
I served my game hens with roasted red potatoes with garlic and parmesan and some roasted broccoli. I am stumped trying to think of anything that wouldn’t pair well with these though. They are so stinking good that you could serve them up with a side of fruit loops, and you would be happy :)
- Cornish Game Hen(s)
- 1 can of beer per hen
- 2 garlic cloves per can of beer
- 2-3 slices of onion per can of beer
- A handful of your favorite herbs per can of beer
- Olive Oil
- Your favorite chicken seasoning (I used chopped up fresh rosemary, garlic salt, pepper, and red chili flake)
Wash and clean your game hens. I notice they always leave the kidneys or liver in, so make sure you scrape those out of the inside. Pat dry and set aside.
In the meantime, pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Open your can of beer and drink it until there is about half left. Shove in your herbs, garlic, onion, etc. Mix it all around with a knife. Your beer will start to foam, but it is ok. Season your game hens generously with olive oil and your favorite chicken seasoning. Once seasoned, place on top of the beer can. Like I said, the hen fits perfectly on the can. Just shove the can right into its cavity.
Place beer cans in a baking dish. Cook for the first ten minutes on 450 degrees, then lower your temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 35-40 minutes more. You know your hens are done when the juices start running clear. These don’t take long, so you want to watch them.Let them sit for about 5 minutes before you attempt to remove the hen from the beer. I suggest using some sort of tongs and mits to complete this task.
Cute little duders, aren’t they!
As for the Super Bowl, let’s face it, the only reason I go to Super Bowl parties or host one of my own is for the snacks. I could care less about football and I seem to get ADD after about 5 minutes. John is not a football fan either, but he is a big fan of snacks. So, it all works out. I think I made some exceptional snacks this year. The menu included:
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno and Garlic Chicken Bites
- Stuffed Mushrooms (half were crab and half sausage)
- Mini Pigs in a Blanket
- Mini BLTs
- Pizza Pinwheels
- Shrimp Ceviche
That pretty much sums it up. I forgot to take pics of the mushrooms and ceviche, but here are pics of the rest.
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| It is just so pretty! MMM!! |
Holy moly! It was all so good. AND look at that platter of goodness! Who could resist. I think all these were a hit because there were no leftovers…zip, zilch, zero, nada! That’s always a good sign, right?
Well, I hope everyone has a good week. I have to find my next big excuse to have some sort of party involving food :)
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