Rachael Ray's Apple, Celery & Onion Stuffing

In a large, deep skillet, melt butter over medium. Add celery, onions and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add apples and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes more. Stir in fresh thyme leaves and parsley. Add a bag of seasoned cubed stuffing, or 4 to 5 cups diced stale bread (white or wheat, or use cornbread) seasoned with poultry seasoning and toasted in the oven until golden. Add turkey or chicken stock to the skillet; toss to moisten croutons. Transfer to a buttered 2-qt. baking dish; dot with butter. Bake at 375 degrees until brown and the stuffing is crispy at the edges, about 40 minutes.