Cornish Game Hens, Stuffed Under the Skin

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. 2

   In a small mixing bowl, combine basil, garlic, ricotta cheese and soft bread crumbs; bind the ingredients together with egg yolk.

3. 3

   With heavy shears, cut each bird along one side of backbone and remove as much fat as possible.

4. 4

   Cut backbone away; insert your fingers under the skin covering the breast and top of drumsticks.

5. 5

   Loosen skin as much as possible and insert some stuffing between flesh and skin.

6. 6

   Set bird halves, breast side up in a baking pan; rub olive oil over the skin and season with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Bake for about 10 minutes, lower heat to 375 degrees and bake for 35 to 40 minutes longer or until done; let bird rest 10 minute before serving to let stuffing settle and firm up.

8. 8

   Serve with bread and 1 or 2 vegetable purees.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.