Ingredients

  • 1 (10- to 12-pound) turkey
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2/3 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, divided
  • 1 pound ground veal
  • 1/2 pound ground boiled ham
  • 6 white bread slices
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup chopped apple
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 cups sweet vermouth
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • Garnishes: fresh parsley sprigs, kumquat leaves, kumquats

Method

  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and reserve for another use. Rinse turkey with cold water, and pat dry.
  • Place turkey in a shallow dish. Stir together 2 tablespoons salt and next 4 ingredients; pour over turkey. Cover and chill at least 6 hours.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet; add 1/2 cup onion, and saute until tender. Add veal and ham; cook over medium heat, stirring often, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Remove crusts from bread, and discard; crumble bread. Combine breadcrumbs, milk, and egg in a large bowl; stir in apple and next 6 ingredients. Stir in onion mixture.
  • Remove turkey from refrigerator, and brush cavity with oil mixture. Spoon stuffing into cavity; truss turkey using string. Lift wingtips up and over back, and tuck them under bird. Place turkey, breast side up, into a large roasting pan.
  • Cover turkey with aluminum foil, and bake at 400° for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°, and bake 2 hours, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
  • Process remaining 1 cup onion, vermouth, and honey in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture over turkey, and bake 1 more hour or until meat thermometer inserted into turkey thigh reaches 180° and stuffing reaches 165°.
  • Broil (with electric oven door partially open) until golden. Garnish, if desired.