Mrs. Mayfair’s Perfect Roast Turkey with Apple Chestnut Stuffing and Maple-Glazed Basting

Nothing captures the essence of a holiday feast quite like a perfectly roasted turkey. This recipe brings together tradition with a hint of added luxury through the maple syrup glaze, creating a tender, golden-brown bird that’s both flavorful and elegant. Let’s dive into the details to ensure your holiday table centerpiece is as unforgettable as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 fresh turkey (20-21 pounds, giblets and neck removed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for basting)
• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons white pepper
• Cheesecloth (cut into a large piece, soaked in melted butter and wine)

For the Basting Glaze:

• Remaining melted butter and white wine mixture
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (added in the last hour of roasting)

For the Stuffing:

• Mrs. Mayfair’s Chestnut Stuffing (prepared in advance)

Instructions

Preparing the Turkey

1. Prepare the Cheesecloth: Combine melted butter and white wine in a bowl. Soak the cheesecloth in this mixture and set aside.
2. Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. Set a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
3. Seasoning the Turkey: Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with salt and white pepper. Fold the wing tips under the bird to stabilize it during roasting.
4. Stuff the Turkey: Loosely fill the turkey’s cavity with the prepared chestnut stuffing. Avoid over-packing, as stuffing expands during cooking. Secure the neck flap with toothpicks to keep the stuffing in place.
5. Truss the Turkey: Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine for an elegant presentation.

Roasting the Turkey

1. Initial Roast: Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack. Cover the bird with the soaked cheesecloth, making sure it covers the breast and partially the legs. This cheesecloth will help achieve a golden, crispy skin.
2. First Baste: Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. After this, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
3. Regular Basting: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the melted butter and wine mixture, using a pastry brush. Ensure the cheesecloth remains moist to prevent it from drying out.
4. Adding the Maple Glaze: In the last hour of roasting, remove the cheesecloth and begin basting every 15 minutes, incorporating the maple syrup into the basting liquid. This additional sweetness adds a beautiful caramelization and depth of flavor to the turkey skin.
5. Check for Doneness: After about 3-4 hours total roasting time (approximately 15 minutes per pound), insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the thermometer reads 180°F, and the stuffing reaches at least 165°F.

Carving and Serving

1. Rest the Turkey: Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird.
2. Serve Elegantly: Arrange the whole turkey on a serving platter adding decorations all around for an elegant presentation. 

Tips for Serving

Pair this magnificent turkey with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetables. The maple glaze adds a subtle sweetness that complements earthy, savory sides beautifully.

This roast turkey, with its delicate maple glaze and aromatic chestnut stuffing, is a labor of love that embodies the warmth and abundance of the holiday season. Whether served at a grand table setting or as part of an intimate family gathering, this recipe promises to be a cherished tradition for years to come. Enjoy the holiday spirit with every flavorful bite!