1 (3 - 3 1/2 lbs.) chicken or 2 Cornish hens
1 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
Dash of nutmeg (optional)
1 tart apple, pared, cored, and sliced
1-2 tbsp. butter
2-4 slices ham
2-4 slices Cheddar cheese
Red bell pepper (for garnish)

Wash and dry chicken or hens. Sprinkle inside with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Place chicken or hens on rack, breast side down, in a shallow pan. Stuff cavities with apples. Roast at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes (35 minutes for hens) or until juices run fairly clear when pierced with fork. Turn chicken (hens) upside down. Brush with melted butter. Fold ham and cheese around chicken (hens); roast at 400 degrees for another 20-35 minutes or until chicken is tender and nicely browned.