Cornish hens with wild mushroom stuffing

By carol gorman

Ingredients

• 4 Cornish hens
• 0.5 oz (14 g) pkg dried mushrooms
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) boiling water
• 1/3 baguette
• 2 large shallots
• 1/2 lb (250 g) fresh mixed mushrooms, about 2 cups (500 mL)
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter, at room temperature
• 2 green onions
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each dried thyme leaves and salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground black pepper
• 2 tsp (10 mL) dried sage leaves

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Thaw hens if frozen. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Place dried mushrooms in a small bowl. Pour boiling water overtop. Rinse hens under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Place in a roasting pan with shallow sides or a rimmed baking sheet just large enough to hold them. Cut baguette into small cubes, about 1/3 inch (0.7 cm). They should measure about 3 cups (750 mL). Spread out on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Toast in centre of preheated oven until light golden, about 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Turn into a large bowl.
Meanwhile, coarsely chop shallots. Slice fresh mushrooms. Melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter in a large frying pan set over medium heat. Add shallots. Stir frequently until softened, about 3 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and a little more butter, if needed. Stir frequently until they start to take on a little colour, 5 to 6 minutes. While fresh mushrooms are cooking, drain dried mushrooms and save liquid. Coarsely chop soaked mushrooms. Thinly slice green onions. Add both to bowl with toasted bread. Pour mushroom liquid over cooked mushrooms in pan. Increase heat to high. Stir often until all liquid is absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes. Add to bread mixture. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Toss to evenly mix.
Stuff body cavity of each hen. Pack but do not overstuff, as stuffing expands as it cooks. Tie legs together with butcher string. Tuck wing tips under birds. Rub remaining 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter over hens. Sprinkle with sage. Roast in centre of preheated oven, basting occasionally with pan juices, until skins are golden and a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh reads 170F (77C), 50 to 60 minutes. Remove pan from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Great with sautéed baby carrots and green beans.
Make ahead
A day before serving, prepare stuffing. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Stuff Cornish hens just before roasting. Cooking time 11 minutes
Preparation time 25 minutes
Roasting Time 50 minutes