Maple-Cider Glazed Turkey with Gravy

Glaze2 cups maple syrup8 cups (frac12; gallon) apple cider2 tablespoons Dijon mustardSalt and ground black pepper, to tasteTurkey4 medium yellow onions, quartered12- to 14-pound turkeyStuffing4 tablespoons (frac12; stick) butter2 medium yellow onions, diced2 large shallots, finely chopped2 leeks, trimmed and sliced3 celery stalks, diced1 medium carrot, diced3 apples, peeled, cored and diced1 tablespoon minced fresh sage1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)3 cups chicken or turkey broth2 eggs, beaten1 bag (16 ounces) stuffing cubesGravy2 cups chicken or turkey broth5 tablespoons cornstarchSalt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the glaze: In a large saucepan over medium-high, combine the maple syrup and cider. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the liquid is reduced by half. Whisk in the mustard, then season with salt and pepper.Reserve 3 cups of the glaze to use with the gravy and stuffing (cover and refrigerate until needed). This can be done the day before, if desired. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.In a large roasting pan, scatter the onion quarters. Place the turkey, breast up, on top of the onions. Pour the unreserved (about 2 cups) maple cider glaze all over the turkey. Be sure to pour some in the turkey's cavity and some under the skin.Roast for 2frac12; to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160 degrees and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170 degrees. During roasting, every 30-45 minutes baste the turkey with the juices in the pan. If the turkey begins to brown too much, cover the pan with foil.Allow the turkey to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a serving platter and covering it with foil. Set aside the roasting pan, leaving the drippings and onions in it.When the turkey has an hour left to roast, make the stuffing. Coat a large casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.In a large skillet over medium-high, heat the butter. Add the onions, shallots and leeks. Saute for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and translucent. Add the celery and carrot and saute for another 8-10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly caramelize.Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the apples, sage, thyme, walnuts (if using), broth, eggs and 2 cups of the reserved maple cider glaze. Add the stuffing cubes and toss well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and hot.When the turkey is resting on the platter, make the gravy. Place the roasting pan with the onions and any remaining juices on the stove top. Add the remaining 1 cup of maple cider glaze. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.In a bowl, stir together the broth and cornstarch, then add it to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened. Strain the gravy through a mesh strainer, discarding the solids. Season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the turkey and stuffing.Makes a 12- to 14-pound turkey with gravy and stuffing to serve 12@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per combined serving of turkey, stuffing and gravy: 1,011 calories, 20 g fat (6 g saturated), 92 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 111 g protein, 377 mg cholesterol, 1,165 mg sodium.