Apricot Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Ingredients

• Stuffing
• 1 onion, divided
• 1 tbsp (15mL) butter
• 1 tsp (5mL) minced fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp (45mL) Smucker's® Pure Apricot Jam
• 1/2 cup (125mL) chicken stock
• 3 1/2 cups (825mL) bread cubes
• 4 (1 lb/454g each) Cornish game hens
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Glaze
• 2 tbsp (30mL) butter, softened
• 2 tbsp (30mL) Smucker's Pure Apricot Jam

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice half the onion and place slices on baking sheet. Dice the rest of the onion for stuffing, set aside.
2. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and ginger and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in 3 tbsp (45mL) apricot jam and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add bread cubes. Stir and coat bread cubes. Let cool while preparing hens.
3. Wash and dry game hens. Season inside cavity with salt and pepper. Fill cavity with about ½ cup (125mL) stuffing. Tie legs together with kitchen string and use skewers to close cavity. Place breast side up on bed of onions. Season with salt and pepper. Combine softened butter and 2 tbsp (30mL) apricot jam and spread over game hens. Roast uncovered in preheated oven, for about 60 - 70 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C). Remove from oven, let rest about 10 minutes. To serve, cut each hen in half and serve with stuffing.