Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2

Rinse hen with cold tap water; drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Generously sprinkle seasonings inside of hen. Place 3 to 4 Tablespoons cubed butter inside cavity of hen. Stuff celery, onion, and apple inside cavity as well. Generously rub outside of hen with soft butter; cover with strips of bacon. Secure bacon with toothpicks. Generously salt and pepper outside and dust lightly with poultry seasoning.

Step 4

Bake 25 minutes per pound or until internal meat reaches 180 degrees F internal heat (using meat thermometer). NOTE: if you purchase hen with a thermometer, don't remove from oven until it pops out. Once the hen is baked, remove from oven and cover with a tent of aluminum foil; allow it to rest 30 minutes before slicing and serving.