Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * ½ cup seedless raisins
 * 3 tablespoons dry sherry
 * 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
 * 2 chicken bouillon cubes
 * 1 cup sliced celery
 * 1 cup chopped onion
 * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
 * 3 cups cooked rice
 * 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
 * ½ teaspoon ground thyme
 * ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt
 * ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 3 Cornish game hens (about 1 pound each)

Directions

 * 1) Soak raisins in sherry 15 minutes.
 * 2) Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet. Add bouillon cubes; stir to dissolve.
 * 3) Add celery, Onion and parsley; cook until tender.
 * 4) Add rice, orange peel, thyme and raisins; toss lightly.
 * 5) Sprinkle hens inside and out with salt and pepper. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
 * 6) Fill cavity of each hen with ½ cup stuffing; truss and tie. Place in baking pan.
 * 7) Bake at 350°F for 1½ hours or until golden brown and tender, brushing occasionally with pan drippings.
 * 8) Spoon remaining dressing into greased baking dish.
 * 9) Cover and place in oven during last 30 minutes of baking time.
 * 10) To serve, arrange dressing on platter with hens.