Cookbook author Trace Barnett made Spiced Cornish Hen with Chocolate Gravy. You can find more recipes, gardening tips and Southern traditions in Trace's cookbook "Tracing Roots: A Modern Approach to Living Off the Land", which is available wherever you buy books. Follow Trace on Instagram @thebittersocialite and check out his blog at www.thebittersocialite.com.
SPICED CORNISH HEN WITH CHOCOLATE GRAVY
Serves 4
My grandmother was famous for making chocolate gravy for breakfast when grandkids or guests visited. A rich, decadent treat that pairs well with a slather of butter or the savory flavor of chicken. This versatile gravy is amazing easy to prepare and doubles as a wonderful breakfast, brunch, or dinner accompaniment. A little dash of cayenne and chili powder really spices things up.
FOR THE HENS
4 Cornish hens
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
FOR THE GRAVY
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoons cayenne
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange hens in a large, heavy duty roasting pan. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter with the remaining ingredients. Baste each hen with a liberal amount of the butter mixture. Roast in the heated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and remove hens from the oven. Baste hens with the remaining butter mixture and return to the oven. Roast for another 20-25 minutes or until hens are golden brown and juices run clear. Remove from oven.
