Thursday, November 19, 2009

Lemon-Herb Roasted Game Hens with Potato-Carrot Mash


There is nothing better than mashed potatoes with crispy, roasted poultry! The preparation for the game gens is one that I've used to roast chicken for years.  The combination of lemon, garlic and onion and basting the make delicious, juicy and golden poultry.


The potato recipe was inspired by one prepared by my son-in-law recently.  Nothing like getting two veggies in one side dish!This would be a great side-dish for Thanksgiving and the game hens would make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner for two.


Lemon-Herb Roasted Game Hens

Printable Recipe
Serves 2

2 Cornish Game Hens thawed in refrigerator for 24 hours
Juice of one lemon
1 teaspoon garlic powder, or 2 cloves or garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme, basil or a combination of both (optional)
Salt and freshly ground Tellicherry pepper

Preheat oven to 375F.

Cut thawed game hens in half through the breast and backbone using a poultry shears or sharp chef's knife, removing backbone. Remove excess fat, rinse and pat dry with paper toweling. Place the halved game hens on a baking sheet, skin side up. Drizzle lemon juice over each half and sprinkle with garlic and onion powders and season with salt and pepper.

Roast in 375F oven for about one hour and 15 minutes or until golden brown, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes during last 30 minutes.

Potato and Carrot Mashers

Adapted from Bon Appétit | February 1998
Printable Recipe

Serves 4

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup fat free half and half
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves of garlic, roasted

Rub a little olive oil on 4 cloves of unpeeled garlic. Place on small baking sheet and roast in 350 degree oven for approximately 8 minutes. Cool slightly and squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins.

Cook potatoes and carrots in separate, medium saucepans of boiling salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and carrots. Return each vegetable to its own pan and shake over heat to dry slightly. Mash carrots coarsely, leaving some larger bits. Mash potatoes normally with roasted garlic, butter and half and half. Transfer mashed carrots to mashed potato mixture and blend with a large spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Potatoes can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead of time. Let stand at room temperature and reheat covered over low heat. Stir before serving to test for warmth.

15 comments:

  1. Great idea, combining two in one! and it looks delicious with the flecks of color! We had mashed tonight also, but mine came from a box :)

    Your chicken looks fantastic!

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  2. Susan, the game hens are perfectly browned. They look delicious. I like the idea of getting two veggies in one dish, but I'm a mashed potato purist ... potatoes and seasonings / herbs only for me. But they certainly look attractive.

    I just spotted a new (at least to me) "The Apple of My Eye!" picture ... What a handsome baby boy....

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  3. What a great idea - Would love the two together!
    The game hens look awesome - perfect color...

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  4. The color on the chicken is so appealing I must say!!! I have read somewhere long ago that it is a good idea to add a "crunch" to mashed potatoes by adding some herbs or veggies....to prevent the mash from just gliding down your throat...kind of like a healthy eating "trick". I always add peas, herbs or butternut, but will for sure try carrots next time!!!

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  5. wow che bel piatto invitante e gustoso!

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  6. Mashed potatoes with crispy roasted chicken are definite comfort food! I love the carrots in the mashed potatoes. Great way to add some color to this meal.

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  7. It doesn't get any better than this! You are sooooo right! I've also made potatoes with green beans and that is a wonderful dish too! Thanks for sharing and have a great Foodie Friday! (Come see my Norwegian Fruit Bread recipe.)

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  8. Creative side dish and who can resist some roasted chicken on a cold day for some comfort foods.
    Joyce

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  9. Susan, you're a potato poet, a painter, a photographer and a phenomenal cook! (I bet you didn't know all your talents derived from the letter "P").

    Yes, I was always a big fan of Sesame Street. And don't laugh, because soon, you will be too.


    You know, I used to sneak mashed carrots into mashed potatoes to get Thumper to eat more vegetables.
    But I had never tried it with squash. I know he and I would welcome this wonderful combination of flavors.

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  10. I love both the recipes you've shared with us today. I've made potatoes with cabbage and other root veggies added, but have never used carrots. This is a real temptation.

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  11. What a good idea to mix potatoes and carrots, and your photos are really tasty !

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  12. Sounds good! I've combined potatoes & sweet potatoes. I'll have to try the carrots :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  13. Two GREAT!!! recipe. I like the idea of mashed potatoes with carrots. Add lots of color to the meal.
    Geri

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  14. Your game hens look perfect, Susan!
    Aren't they the perfect meal for two?
    Never would have thought to combine carrots with my mashed potatoes, but it looks good. And I love the garlic addition!

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  15. Great looking meal! I'm sure those mashed potatoes and carrots make a great taste combination. I think you have a book in the making with you Ode to A Tuber Susan...really.

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