WILD RICE STUFFED CORNISH HENS

Wild Rice Stuffed Cornish Hens image

My mom prepares this impressive-looking entree for the holidays and for other "company's coming" occasions. The savory rice stuffing goes wonderfully with the moist golden hens and sweet apricot glaze. She is often asked for the recipe. -Becky Brunette, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

5-1/2 cups water, divided
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup uncooked wild rice
1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
6 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 jar (12 ounces) apricot preserves

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups water, bouillon and salt to a boil. Add wild rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add long grain rice; cover and simmer 25-30 minutes longer or until rice is tender and water is absorbed., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in rice mixture. Spoon about 3/4 cup stuffing into each hen. , Place remaining stuffing in a greased 2-qt. baking dish; cover and set aside. Place hens breast side up on a rack in shallow baking pan; tie drumsticks together. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes., In a small saucepan, bring preserves and remaining water to a boil. Pour over hens. Bake 25-35 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing, basting occasionally. Place baking dish of stuffing in the oven for the last 35-40 minutes of hens' baking time.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 118 g fat (34 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 770 mg cholesterol, Sodium 1,595 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 95 g carbohydrate, Fiber 3 g fiber, Protein 139 g protein.