Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Name: Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 1-1/2 cups cooked rice ((long grain and wild, or "Royal/Wild Blend")*); 1/2 cup peeled, diced Fuji apples ((1/4-inch dice, about 1/2 large apple)); 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper; splash apple cider ((not apple cider vinegar)); 1 cup apple cider ((not apple cider vinegar)); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; pinch ground cinnamon; 4 cornish hens ((1.25 to 1.5 pounds each)); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (, melted)