Ingredients for Cornish Hens:
4 Cornish hens
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing:
1 cup wild rice or brown rice, cooked
1 small onion, diced
1 apple, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the stuffing: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and apple, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the cooked rice, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Season the hens: Rub each Cornish hen with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Stuff the hens: Stuff each Cornish hen with the apple-cranberry rice mixture. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired.
Roast the hens: Place the hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
Rest and serve: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy with additional rice stuffing on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 600 kcal per serving
