Sausage Apple Stuffing

Ingredients

6 ounces bacon, diced
1 pound pork sausage
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups tart apples, cut in 1/2" pieces
10 cups day-old white bread, cut in 1/2" cubes
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

Sprinkle bacon over bottom of 3 quart casserole; cover with paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 3 1/2- 4 1/2 min. until bacon just begins to brown, stirring once. Crumble sausage meat in. Microwave on HIGH 3 min., stirring twice, until meat loses its pink color. add onions, mushrooms and celery; cover with paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 6-8 min. until onions and mushrooms are wilted, stirring twice. Stir in sage, thyme, salt and pepper, then the apples. Cover and microwave on HIGH 2 min. (Apples will still be crisp.) Meanwhile, mix bread and parsley in a large pot or bowl. Add apple mixture; toss to mix. Stir in broth a little at a time until well blended and stuffing is as moist as desired. Return mixture to the 3 quart casserole. Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH 13-15 min., rotating dish 1/2 turn and stirring once. Let stand covered 10 min. for flavor to develop and to equalize the temperature.