Bacon-Wrapped Turkey with Pear Cider Gravy

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups hard pear cider such as Ace Perry Cider or Wyder's
• 1 medium dried bay leaf
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 medium fresh sage leaves
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick)
• + 9 more ingredients
• • For the gravy::
  • 1 pound thinly sliced smoked bacon
  • 6 medium ripe pears, such as Anjou or Bosc
  • 10 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 medium celery stalks, halved crosswise
  • 2 medium white onions, peeled and halved
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 (18- to 20-pound) fresh turkey
  • For the turkey::

For the turkey: Heat the oven to 400°F. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Remove the giblets and neck; reserve the neck. Rinse out the turkey’s cavity and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Trim most of the excess fat and skin fro...

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