Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin

Directions

1. 1

   To butterfly pork roast, cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the pork loin to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open loin so it lies flat. On each half, make another lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Flatten to 1/4-in. thickness.
2. 2

   Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and pepper.
3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the rice, apricots, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme and broth. Spread stuffing evenly over pork, 1/4 to 1/2 in. thick. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Tie the roast at 1-1/2 to 2-in. intervals with kitchen string. Place the remaining stuffing in a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish; set aside.
4. 4

   Bake roast, uncovered, at 350° 1 hour. Remove roast from oven; carefully remove string. Place bacon strips over top of roast, overlapping slightly. Bake until bacon is browned and crisp and a thermometer reads 160°, 30-45 minutes longer. If needed, broil 4 in. from heat until bacon reaches desired crispness. Meanwhile, cover and bake remaining stuffing until heated through, about 30 minutes.
5. 5

   Let roast stand for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, brush with apricot preserves before slicing.