A delightful dish featuring tender Cornish hens glazed with a sweet and savory apricot mixture, perfect for a special dinner.
Prepare the brine by dissolving the salt in water in a large bowl.
Ensure the salt is fully dissolved to evenly season the hens.
Place the Cornish hens in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Use a resealable plastic bag for brining to save space in the refrigerator.
Remove the hens from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
Drying the hens thoroughly helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the hens inside for even cooking.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and mix in the apricot preserves, black pepper, and basil.
Stir the glaze continuously to prevent it from burning.
Place the hens in a baking dish and brush them with the prepared glaze.
Apply the glaze generously to ensure a flavorful coating.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes.
Check the internal temperature of the hens to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
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