2022-4866 FinalProof 1 - Flipbook - Page 5
Stuffed Game Hens with Dried Berries
Recipe by Executive Winery Chef DJ MacIntyre | Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
4 game hens – cleaned, rinsed
1 cup blueberries – dried
1 cup cherries – dried
2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup onions – 1/4" diced
2 Tbsp. garlic – minced fine
1 cup celery – 1/8" diced
1 Tbsp. thyme – dried
2 tsp. rosemary – dried, chopped
1 tsp. lemon zest – minced fine
3/4 cup chicken stock
11/2 Tbsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. black pepper – ground
8 Tbsp. butter – unsalted
METHOD:
Clean and rinse the game hens, pat dry and reserve on the side. Melt 6 Tbsp. of the butter in a sauté pan, add
the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-4 minutes until the onions become translucent. Remove from heat source,
and let cool at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, celery, salt, pepper,
dried herbs and zest. Fold in blueberries, cherries, onions and celery and then moisten with the chicken stock.
Continue to add 2 spoonfuls of stock at a time until the stuffing can hold its shape for 3-4 seconds before
crumbling. Season the outside of the birds with kosher salt about 1 tsp. per bird, then place the stuffing inside
the cavity of each bird. Next, distribute the remaining butter under the skin on the outside of each hen. Place
stuffed game hens in a baking dish. Roast in a 350° oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature
reaches 160° in the middle of the stuffing. Let rest for 5-10 minutes and then serve.
PAIR WITH:
2019 Elton Pinot Noir
Deep ruby red color, with aromatics of blue and red fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and Santa
Rosa plums. Red earth and clay minerality gives the wine a tremendous spice and focus. The warmth
provided in each sip is reminiscent of the first days of fall.
Peak drinkability: 2021 – 2029.
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