Apricot Ginger Game Hens

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 Game Hens (clean and ready to cook)
• 2 lbs (907g) Apricots, fresh or dried
• 1 cup Ginger, fresh (chopped)
• 1 cup Soy Sauce
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 4 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Rice Wine or Chicken Stock

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes cleaning and marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty; requires precise timing and attention to details)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Clean game hens thoroughly and pat dry.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except the game hens.
3. Place the game hens in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
4. Pour the apricot ginger mixture over the game hens, ensuring they are coated evenly.
5. Cover the dish with foil and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and the meat is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Depending on the specific ingredients used, each serving will have around 500-600 calories.
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 30-35g

Dish Characteristics:

• Unique flavor combination of sweet, sour, and spicy due to the apricots, ginger, and soy sauce.
• The dish has a rich, sticky sauce that coats the game hens, making them very flavorful and tender.
• Game hens are a lean meat source, providing high-quality protein.

User Comments:

1. "The flavor combination was outstanding! The apricots added a unique sweetness that paired perfectly with the ginger and soy sauce."
2. "I loved how tender and juicy the game hens were. The baking method ensured they didn't dry out."
3. "The dish was a bit time-consuming to prepare, but it was worth it. The final result was impressive and flavorful."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the apricots and ginger, to ensure maximum flavor.
• If using dried apricots, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to plump them up.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• For best results, let the game hens marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking.