Blue Grouse with Roasted Apples and Pears

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   1.

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   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rinse the grouse and pat them dry.

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   Season with salt and pepper inside and out.

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   Secure the legs of the birds to the breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

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   2.

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   Stuff the cavity of the birds with equal parts apple, pear, and onion, and lay them in a baking dish.

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   Add a few garlic cloves to the cavity and scatter the rest in the pan along with the remaining apple, pear, and onion.

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   3.

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   Add the orange juice to the bottom of the pan along with the butter.

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    4.

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    Cook the birds for 45 minutes, or until a digital meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted between the leg and the breast meat.

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    While cooking, baste the bird every 7-10 minutes with a large spoon, making sure to distribute the juices over the breast meat in particular.

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    5.

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    Remove from the oven and cover with tin foil.

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    Let sit for 15 minutes before carving and serving!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.