Cornish Game Hens with Fruited Rice Dressing

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1/2 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
 * 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
 * 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 3 Cornish game hens (about 1 pound each)

Directions
Soak raisins in sherry 15 minutes. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet. Add bouillon cubes; stir to dissolve. Add celery, onion and parsley; cook until tender. Add rice, orange peel, thyme and raisins; toss lightly.

Sprinkle hens inside and out with salt and pepper. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Fill cavity of each hen with 1/2 cup stuffing; truss and tie. Place in baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees 1-1/2 hours or until golden brown and tender, brushing occasionally with pan drippings. Spoon remaining dressing into greased baking dish. Cover and place in oven during last 30 minutes of baking time. To serve, arrange dressing on platter with hens.