Cornish Hens with Crab Meat Stuffing
[True Grits, The Junior League of Atlanta]

• 4 Cornish game hens
• 1 lemon, cut into halves, salt and pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup crab meat
• 1/2 tsp salt, pepper to taste
• 1 cup fine bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup half-and-half

Rinse the game hens inside and out and pat dry.  Rub the game hens with the lemon, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Saute the garlic, parsley, green onions and celery in the butter in a skillet until the vegetables are tender.  Stir in the crab meat, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in the bread crumbs. Add the half-and-half gradually, stirring until mixed.  Stuff the game hens with the crab meat mixture.  Place in a baking pan.  Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes or until the game hens are cooked through, basting frequently with pan drippings.