Sausage-Stuffed Cornish Hens

Per Nana~

This week's recipe selection is a Cornish hen stuffed with sausage and

 bread. I used a fresh hen and cut it in half, rather than stuffing the

 bird whole.  The stuffing was really quite easy. I used a combination 

of hot and sweet Italian sausage, fresh parsley and sourdough bread.

 Usually when I make sausage stuffing I add toasted pignoli (pine) nuts, 

but I followed the directions and this time did not add any. 

The little bird came with all its goodies stuffed inside, so I was able to add

 the livers to the stuffing mix as well. I placed two scoops of stuffing on the 

pan and covered it with the split bird and cooked it for about 50 minutes. 

Since we like it really crisp, I used the broiler to finish. I paired it with a

 combination of carrots and parsnips that I roasted with fresh rosemary 

and a drizzle of olive oil. This would be a perfect weeknight dinner for

 someone with a busy schedule as it is so easy to prepare.

Per Tricia~

There was no huge surprise on the results of this week's recipe. 

We loved it. My younger son was home for Spring break and 

polished an entire bird off in one sitting. 

What did surprise me was how I had not considered making sausage 

stuffing for other than Thanksgiving. This is our official  "Turkey 

Day" stuffing recipe, a tradition going back in our family to before

I was born. Since it originated with my father's family, and 

involved Italian sausage, I always presumed it was an Italian

 tradition and was surprised when Dorie explained how common it 

was in France- such that many home cooks do not even prepare

 their own since it is so easy to purchase it ready made.  

I also know that most folks tend to love the stuffing they grew up with,

 and these favorites can become quite sensitive topics as families merge

 and new traditions are born. This week was a wonderful reminder that

favorite stuffing - regardless of the recipe- isn't just for Turkey Day.  

 While I doubt I'll make it often enough to tire of it, I will certainly 

treat my family to this delicious combination other than once a year.

 Thank you, Dorie, for reminding me to enjoy good food every day. 

The taste testers send their thanks as well :)

PS- unrelated but have you tried the "Waterlogue" app ??

 I came across it this week and am mesmerized at this little

 $2.99 tool that literally turns your photo into a watercolor painting.

 Addictive and amazing for those that love photography.

 This is the same bike shot from last week's post.