Creating Cozy Comfort: Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Hens: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Stuffing: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Fruits and Nuts: Stir in the diced apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts (if using), cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.

5. Combine with Bread: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed mixture, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing until the bread absorbs the liquid.

6. Stuff the Hens: Fill each Cornish hen with the stuffing mixture until just packed; don’t overfill, as the stuffing will expand during cooking.

7. Prepare for Roasting: Place the stuffed hens breast-side up on a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season the outside with salt and pepper.

8. Roast the Hens: Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.

9. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

10. Serve the Dish: Transfer to a serving platter, allowing the stuffing to peek out of the cavity for a beautiful presentation.