G - Garniture
definition: an edible adornment
Cranberry Compote
A fresh update to an old classic.
2 cups cranberries
Zest of 1 orange grated
¼ cup orange juice from zested orange
1/4 cup Port
½-¾ cup brown sugar, or according to your taste
1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise and beans scraped out
1 cinnamon stick broken in half
3 cloves
½ tsp cardamom
⅛ tsp black pepper
Technique:
In a small saucepan combine cranberries, orange juice and zest, port, sugar and cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmering and cook until cranberries are tender, stirring occasionally. Cook until the consistency that you like.
Cornish Game Hens
A nice alternative to the typical Thanksgiving meal.
2 game hens
½ cube butter
bunch fresh sage
Orange slices
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
Technique:
Wash and dry the hens inside and out. Cut the hens in half going through the back, but do not cut them all the way through. Spread the two halves apart breast down. Turn the hen over and place your fingers between the skin and the flesh on the breast and leg areas. Lay a sage leaf, a dollop of butter and an orange wedge under the skin. Roast the hens at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes.