Savory Baked Apples

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Savory Baked Apples

Ingredients

2/3 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth 1/3 cup uncooked brown rice 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup apple cider 4 large Rome apples, cored 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided 1 (4-ounce) link sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1/3 cup finely chopped carrot 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 3 tablespoons minced green onions 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

How to Make It

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2
Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 50 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes.

Step 3
Combine cranberries and cider in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute. Let stand for 10 minutes. Add mixture to rice.

Step 4
Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out centers of apples, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell, and chop apple flesh. Brush the inside of apples with 1 tablespoon butter. Place apples on a baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until just tender.

Step 5
Preheat broiler to high.

Step 6
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, and sauté 5 minutes, stirring to crumble. Remove from pan; drain. Wipe skillet, and melt remaining butter in pan. Add chopped apple, yellow onion, and next 3 ingredients (through pepper); sauté 4 minutes. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add sausage, onion mixture, walnuts, and next 3 ingredients (through sage) to rice; toss. Divide rice mixture evenly among apples; top with cheese. Broil for 5 minutes or until golden.

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