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

 * 1) 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.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) 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.
 * 4) Cover and place in oven during last 30 minutes of baking time. To serve, arrange dressing on platter with hens.