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1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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2
Combine the raisins and brandy in a small bowl.
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3
Set aside for about 15 minutes to allow the raisins to plump slightly.
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4
Trim the crusts from the bread and cut the slices into 1/2-inch cubes.
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5
Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
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6
Remove from the oven and transfer the cubes to a mixing bowl.
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7
Set aside.
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8
Do not turn off the oven.
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9
Fill a large mixing bowl with lightly salted cold water and, 1 at a time, thoroughly rinse each hen in the salted water.
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10
Place the rinsed hens under cold running water to remove excess salt.
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11
Drain well and pat dry.
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12
Set aside.
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13
Drain the liquid from the raisins, separately reserving both the raisins and the liquid.
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14
Combine the oil with 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat.
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15
Add the celery, onion and 1 tablespoon of the garlic and saute for 3 minutes.
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16
Add the reserved soaking liquid from the raisins and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
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17
Stir in the parsley, pine nuts, and reserved raisins.
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18
Scrape the mixture into the reserved toasted bread cubes and add just enough chicken stock or broth to moisten without letting the bread cubes get soggy.
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19
Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
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20
Using a large spoon, lightly push some stuffing into the cavity of each bird.
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21
(Do not pack the stuffing in tightly or it will get very soggy and may not cook properly).
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22
Combine the remaining butter and garlic and coat each hen with a light layer of the seasoned butter.
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23
Sprinkle lightly with paprika and season to taste with salt and pepper.
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24
Place the hens in a roasting pan.
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25
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
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26
Roast for 20 minutes.
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27
Remove the foil and continue to roast for an additional 20 minutes or until the hens are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the bird and into the stuffing reads 165 degrees.
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28
Remove from the oven and serve.