Papaya Adds Special Touch to Holiday Entree

Papaya slices are added to honey-glazed hens in the last few minutes for a golden touch in this ideal entree for entertaining on Presidents’ Day.

HONEY-GLAZED GAME HENS AND PAPAYA

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

4 green onions, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/3 cup slivered almonds

1 (6-ounce) package stuffing mix

2 tablespoons minced parsley

2 slices bacon, fully cooked

1 cup chicken broth

2 (1 1/4- to 1 1/2-pound) Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise

Salt, pepper

Melted butter or margarine

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 papaya, peeled, seeded and cut lengthwise into eighths.

In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add green onions, garlic, celery and almonds. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender and almonds are golden.

Add stuffing mix, parsley and bacon. Add chicken broth. Toss to moisten. Mound stuffing in 4 portions in lightly greased baking pan.

Rinse hens and pat dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange hen halves, cut side down, over stuffing. Brush with melted butter. Roast, covered, at 400 degrees 20 minutes.

In small bowl, stir together honey and lemon juice. Uncover hens and roast 15 to 25 minutes longer.

Add papaya to pan or place in separate pan. Baste hens and papaya with honey glaze and bake about 10 minutes longer or until hens are tender and glazed. Makes 4 servings.