Savory Baked Apples

fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth

uncooked brown rice

dried cranberries

apple cider

large Rome apples, cored

butter, melted and divided

link sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

finely chopped yellow onion

finely chopped carrot

ground cinnamon

ground red pepper

garlic cloves, minced

chopped walnuts, toasted

minced green onions

kosher salt

dried rubbed sage

shredded Swiss cheese