Turkey with a Pear and Maple Glaze

Ingredients

• A 7 ¾ lb (approx. 3.5 kg) whole regular or young turkey
• 1 - 28 oz. can (796 ml) of pears, in natural juice, (pears should be drained and the juice set aside)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• ¾ cup of dry white wine
• 1 cup of chicken bouillon
• ½ cup of maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons of any fresh herb (Rosemary, Savoury, Thyme, Sage, etc.), chopped, or ½ teaspoon of any dry herb
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 ½ tablespoons of flour

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
2. Place the turkey, breast up, in a roasting pan. Season the cavity and fill with pears. Spread any remaining pears on the bottom of the roasting pan, around the turkey. Tie the two legs using a thread so that the turkey keeps its shape.
3. Roast uncovered in the middle of oven rack for at least 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, sauté the shallot and garlic in butter in a casserole. Deglaze with wine and simmer until reduced to a 1/3rd of original volume. Add the pear juice, bouillon, maple syrup and herb. Season well. Bring to a boil and pour over the turkey.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 160ºC (325ºF), cover and continue to roast for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, or for 40 minutes for each 1 kg (2.2lb.) of turkey, or until the meat comes off easily away from the bones. Baste with the pear juice mixture regularly. Uncover for the last 20 to 30 minutes to give it a nice golden colour.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, pour all of the roasting juices into a small casserole. Bring to a boil. Mix flour with a little bit of water and add to the casserole using a beater. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Serve turkey with the pears and gravy.