Stuffed Quail With Crawfish Dressing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 whole quail, raw, semi-boneless
1/2 cup fresh rosemary
1/2 cup butter
1 cup celery, chopped with tops
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 cup garlic, chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 lb crawfish tail, peeled and pre-cooked
1 cup cracker meal (or crushed crackers)
2 eggs
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (12 ounce) can bing cherries, for sauce (optional)

Preparation

Rub quail with the rosemary, black pepper, and salt (and Tony Chachere's, if preferred).
Prepare stuffing by sauteing remaining vegetables and basil in butter until tender.
In a mixing bowl combine sauteed vegetables with cracker meal, crawfish, eggs, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Stuff quail liberally and bake in 350 degree F oven for 45 minutes or until done. Don't overcook.
Baste with butter once while cooking.
Place cooked quail on bed of brown or wild rice. Cherry sauce is optional.