Stuffed Rock Cornish Hens for Christmas

Here's a recipe for Stuffed Rock Cornish Hens that could easily substitute for the Christmas turkey.

If you have one, use a large roasting pan that has a cover and a drain rack in the bottom. If not, use foil and a broiler pan. These hens come out brown and the skin is crisp.

Serve with a simple green salad and asparagus or another vegetable.

* 1 package long-grain and wild rice mix, 6 ounces
* 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1 can (about 4 ounces) chopped mushrooms, drained
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 4 Cornish game hens (approximately 1 pound each)

PREPARATION:
Directions for stuffed Cornish hens
Cook rice according to package directions; cool. Add celery, chopped mushrooms, chopped apricots, butter, and soy sauce; toss lightly to mix. Stuff hens; place in roasting pan.

Roast, loosely covered at 375° for 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue roasting Cornish hens for about 60 minutes, or until done. Baste Cornish hens with butter during last 30 minutes, if desired.
Stuffed Cornish hens recipe serves 4.