Ninotchka and Stuffed Game Hens

"What is that?"
"It's a hat, a woman's hat."
"How can civilization survive when women are permitted to put things such as that on their heads?"

This was an exchange between Greta Garbo as "Ninotchka" and one of her Russian comrades when she first encounters this latest Paris fashion.  She ultimately falls in love with Paris and the fashion. She buys the hat and embraces the city's decadent ways including a romantic night out with a Duke where they drink champagne and eat delicious food.  Like stuffed game hens.  

It is Valentine's day today. My daughter and her new husband are having dinner with us and there is something so special about having your own bird stuffed with rice and dried fruits.  I hope they bring some champagne.

Stuffed Game Hens

serves 4 people

1 cup jade or red rice
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 fennel bulb, diced
1/4 cup dried fruit, soaked in 2 tbs. whiskey
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3 thin  lemon slices, sliced into small triangles
1 tsp. salt
4 organic game hens
4 tbs. softened butter, 2 tbs. combined w/2 tsp. chopped cilantro and zest of one small lemon
2 stalks celery, cut into big pieces
1/2 fennel bulb, sliced
1 cup white wine

Cook the rice in 1 1/4 cups water.  Fluff and set aside in a mixing bowl to cool.  Saute the celery and fennel in 2 tbs. butter until softened.  Add to the rice along with the dried fruit, cilantro, lemon slices and salt.  Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Thoroughly dry the game hens, stuff them with the rice mixture.  Tie their legs together and place in a baking pan. Massage with the remaining cilantro and lemon zest butter, working the butter under the skin of the breast meat.  Strew the celery chunks and fennel slices around the game hens and bake for 50-60 minutes until the temperature of the hens is 160 degrees.  Remove to a platter and let rest for 15 minutes.  Pour off a little of the fat in the pan and deglaze with the white wine.  Cook until it reduces into a nice thick sauce.  Strain and serve with the game hens and a side of Vichy carrots and peas.

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