Allow 6-8 minutes per pound.  Most weigh about 1 pound.

Use completely thawed Cornish Hen.  Pat dry with paper towel

Rub lightly with cooking oil - sprinkle with dry cocoa powder.

(Commercial browning sauce can be used instead of the cocoa).

Place, breast side down, in microwave safe baking dish.  There will be splatters and drippings, so it is best to use a deep dish. 

Cover the hen with a tent of waxed paper.

Cook on HIGH for one-half of the cooking time Remove from microwave and turn breast side up.

Microwave for second half of cooking time, still covered with the waxed paper.   Let stand at least 10 minutes to allow meat to firm.  Test for doneness by piercing thigh with fork - juices should run clear.  Internal temperature should be 180 when cooking ends.  Standing time will increase temperature to near 185 degrees or above.  To make gravy add 1 tablespoon flour to drippings then stir in 1 cup broth.  Cook until bubbly.  Season with salt and pepper.

NOTE:  If desired, stuff with 1/2 cup bread or rice stuffing.  Allow extra time when cooking.

NOTE:  Turkey legs can be cooked this same way.  Each leg will take about 5 minutes to cook each side.

Microwave Roasting a Turkey

Allow 10-13 minutes per pound

Choose one that is small enough to go in your microwave.

Thaw and dry with paper towels. 

Brush with browning sauce and melted butter.  Add herbs if desired.  Frozen turkeys are injected with a salt solution, no more should be necessary.

Shield breastbone area, legs and wing tips with small strips of aluminum foil wrapped around the area or kept in place with wooden tooth picks to prevent over browning.  This is safe to do because of the large mass of meat to be heated. 

Place turkey in cooking bag and arrange in a deep roasting dish, breast side down.  Add 1/2 cup water or broth.  Close bag securely with plastic tie.  Slash bag near closure. 

Start cooking on HIGH for 5 minutes, then reduce to Medium for the minimum time.  Internal temperature should be 180 degrees.  Add more cooking time if necessary.  Allow turkey to stand at least 20 minutes.  Temperature will rise during that time.   

Note:  It is best to cook stuffing separately, but it can be cooked in the microwave while turkey is standing.

Cook turkey the day before, slice when cooled and reheat when ready to serve.  Be careful not to dry out the meat.

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