The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Cut Your Thanksgiving Turkey Down to Size

by Stephanie Ferguson

Just in time for Thanksgiving I offer members of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi a way to celebrate the holiday deliciously, inexpensively – and differently – by rethinking the main course.

After all, in this recession, many companies are downsizing and that means many people have to cut back too, even during Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the holiday, I thought I would take the biggest dish on the table – the traditional turkey – and see if I could find a creative way to downsize it with Cornish hens.

But first, here’s a little about me and why you might want to take my advice. I am an accountant for Phi Kappa Phi by day and a food enthusiast by night. Given my line of work, you might ask, “What does she know about food?” The answer is, in the world of food I know very little because the world of food is infinite. I do know, however, that I am passionate about finding new and inventive ways to explore the endless culinary options available.

I spend countless hours watching the Food Network, soaking up the sights and sounds to pick up lavish recipes to try out on my family, friends and coworkers so that they can share the benefits of my passion. I love to see what’s cooking and then prepare dishes such as Texas-style BBQ brisket, fresh berries with mascarpone cheese or fried coconut shrimp with kumquat sauce. 

I am a person who loves to cook, so I always cook big. I have been known to make 20 large peppermint cheesecakes, 100 bacon-wrapped green bean bundles, or even 1,000 hot tamale meatballs for a church function, my own family holiday or a friend’s special occasion.

Now, I do love turkey, and most people prepare it for major holidays like Thanksgiving, obviously. But I think Cornish hens offer a tasty and economical option instead. They’re readily available at the local grocery store and can be picked up when on sale – no having to wait for turkeys to arrive, at soaring holiday prices, either.

Just think, with Cornish hens there is no drumstick to argue over, no wishbone to break, and no turkey casseroles for days (especially for single people like me).

And with Cornish hens, no longer do we have to wait for hours and hours while the turkey finishes baking, or frying in the South, to begin the holiday grazing. The recipe I include below is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare: less than two hours including preparation.

Visually, the birds look much the same as turkeys (the hens are smaller of course) but the potential for taste is superior and vastly different than with the blander turkey. It is more acceptable to try different seasonings and flavors on Cornish hens when you might otherwise be banned from the holiday table for altering your great granny’s time-honored recipe for traditional tasteless turkey.  

My personal favorite is orange-glazed Cornish hens. The citrus and honey in this recipe offer a savory and sweet flavor that is unmistakable as you bite into the crunchy golden brown skin.

Even though I don’t really recommend downsizing your Thanksgiving unless you have to, this is a recipe you might try then – or any time you want a quick, inexpensive poultry meal.

Oh, and just so you know, it tastes just like chicken! 

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes, whether cost-savers and time-savers like mine or perennial favorites? Share your holiday recipes and pictures by submitting them here.

Stephanie Ferguson is the accountant for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She has been cooking up a storm for 20 years. Email her at sferguson@phikappaphi.org.