Christmas dining allows for the thankfulness for our blessings. So, the meal should reflect consideration for this family gathering time. For centuries, a goose, a turkey, or a ham have been the meal of choice, which are all good choices. However, it is always good to be adventuresome. Individual Cornish hens are a noteworthy alternative. They are flavorful, celebratory, and encourage artistic plating. Clean each hen and brine the hens for at least 4 hours. Meanwhile, prepare a couscous stuffing with dried cranberries, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. Remove the hens from the brine, set each, together, onto a large roasting pan. First, insert a slice of peeled orange slice and then stuff the hens with the couscous stuffing. Baste the hens with melted butter, infused with fresh herbs and lemon juice. Baste the hens at least every 20 minutes. Bake the hens until thoroughly cooked at 350⁰, covered. Then, for the last 1 to 2 minutes, broil, uncovered, to bronze the tops of the birds. Adorn with fresh herbs, just prior to serving! Christmastime dining, with twinkling of cheer, makes the event most memorable! © Kelly McBride Loft