7 slices maple-flavor bacon
1 1/2 cups chopped onions (3 medium)
1 cup coarsely chopped celery (2 stalks)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red sweet pepper (1 small)
4 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups regular barley
4 cups peeled butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup snipped fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (optional)
Small fresh sage leaves (optional)