When The Twelve Days of Christmas was penned; Swans were a true luxury. They were a status symbol found only in the highest courts of Kings and Queens. And yes, they were eaten. But we know that the Twelve Days of Christmas has a hidden addenda – hidden means woven into each day. So what are the Seven Swans?
And why are there seven? Why not five or twenty-five? The Seven Swans represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of use. These gifts are meant to assist us in our particular calling. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership and Compassion. To prophesize does not necessarily mean to tell the future. Rather the gift of Prophecy allows a deeper understanding of what has occurred or is about to happen. Not everyone has this ability. Just as not all are called to serve or to teach. Some even struggle with forming words of encouragement, while others speak words of encouragement as naturally as breathing. Some find it easier to give, while others take on the role of leadership with little hesitation. Whatever your gift, when you are called, the Spirit will give it to you. Fear not. For He has sent angels and saints and the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. Be still, listen and your soul will know what to do for it belongs to God. Rejoice on this Seventh Day of Christmas, for it is a day the Lord has created.
In the Secular World that we all live in, today is New Year’s Eve. Social Tradition says we need to ring in the New Year with merriment and a special feast. Games hens make for a lovely presentation. And are easier to cook than a swan! Happy New Year!
Garlic Rosemary Roasted Game Hens
1-1/2 cups Chicken Stock
2 Game Hens
6 Garlic Cloves
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons Dried Rosemary
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Paprika as desired
Parsley for garnish
Rosemary Sprigs for garnish
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place a wire rack inside a roasting pan. Add chicken stock to the pan, set aside.
Split game hens in half. Rinse and pat dry. Set birds aside.
Peel and finely mince garlic. Place garlic in a small bowl. Add butter and crushed Rosemary. Season butter mixture with salt and pepper. Mash together to create a paste. Set aside.
Loosen the skin of the hens. Rub seasoned butter mixture under the skin. Arrange Cornish hens cut side down in the roasting pan. Sprinkle with a little Paprika for color.
Place roasting pan in the oven at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 40 minutes or until hens are no longer pink inside.
Scatter parsley around a serving platter. Cut birds into quarters, arrange on the platter. Tuck rosemary sprigs around hens, serve and enjoy.
Farmhouse Long Grain Wild Rice
1 box Long Grain Wild Rice
1/3 cup Beef Stock
1 cup Water
Empty rice into a saucepan. Add stock and water. Mix in seasoning pack.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes covered. Fluff and serve.
Green Beans
1 can Cut Green Beans
Drain the green beans. Place in a saucepan and gently warm over medium-low heat.
Such a simple supper yet filled with so much flavor. Enjoy!
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