Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

Last night's dinner.

I partially boned a Cornish Game Hen, 

leaving the legs and wings intact 

and stuffed with 

a wild rice and mushroom stuffing. 

Served with a port sauce.

Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing
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Stuffing

1-1/2 cups wild rice cooked
1 small onion finely chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons oil
2 cloves garlic
pinch tarragon (or fresh thyme)
2 tablespoons finely
choped parsley
1-1/2 dozen mushrooms, sliced
salt and pepper


Sauce

Pan drippings
3 ounces medium-dry sherry or ruby port
1 tablespoon red currant jam or jelly
2 cups chicken stock

Roux:
2 tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons
flour Salt and Pepper


Bone the hens by removing rib cage and back of each bird. With
pointed knife, cut slit down backbone. Work to free flesh from
ribs. Free carcass from wing, leg sockets and neck so you can lift
it right out leaving meat behind. With string or unwaxed dental
floss sew up the original opening of the bird.

Make Stock using the carcass. In a small saucepan, saute
onions in a small nut of butter. Add thyme, garlic, parsley and
bay leaf. Saute a few minutes and add chicken and hen bones.
Continue sauteing. Add about 2 1/2 cups of water or chicken stock
salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer about 60 minutes.
Strain.

Prepare stuffing by melting butter in a small amount of oil. Saute
chopped onion, add garlic, tarragon, salt and pepper, chopped
parsley and mushrooms. When flavours are fully blended (about 3
minutes) add wild rice and mix well. Adjust seasoning. Set aside
until cool enough to handle. Divide stuffing into 3 equal parts
and stuff each bird. Sew up
using dental floss.

Roast birds in a 375°F until done, about 45 minutes.

Remove birds from pan.

Make a roux with the pan drippings, butter and flour. Add the
chicken broth and simmer. Add the sherry or port and the currant
jelly. Simmer to meld the flavours.

To serve, Remove the dental floss or string and cut each bird in
half.