Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (you may need to remove your top rack), pat the game hens completely dry and rub with extra virgin olive oil, set them on a roasting rack in the Provisions Large Classic Roaster. Salt and pepper all sides, along with inside the cavity.  Allow to sit out at room temp while you prepare the stuffing.

2. Make the wild rice stuffing by adding 3 cups of chicken stock, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper to a covered saucepan, bring to a boil. Add 2 cups of wild rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 15 mins. When it’s done, fluff it with a fork and remove from heat to start cooling.

3. In a separate skillet, add 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add shallot, diced celery, minced garlic, salt, pepper and chopped fresh parsley.  Cook for about 8 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add to the wild rice and stir to combine.

4. Chop dried cranberries and apricots and add to the wild rice stuffing. Stir to combine, taste for seasoning, add more salt and pepper if needed. Put the stuffing in the fridge for 20-30 minutes until completely cooled.

5. Add about a cup of the wild rice to a new bowl, reserving the rest for serving.  This way you are not contaminating the wild rice with raw poultry.  Put a few Tablespoons inside the cavity of each game hen.

6. Place the roaster on the center rack and roast the game hens for 30 mins.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: in a saucepan over medium heat, add the apricot preserves, Grand Marnier and butter. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine. Turn off the heat.

8. After 30 mins, brush the glaze over the game hens and roast for another 30-45 mins. Glaze again after about 15 mins. Cooking time will vary based on size of the game hens. Make sure they reach at least 165F to be sure the stuffing has also reached food safe temp.

9. Remove and serve alongside the reserved wild rice stuffing.