Ingredients

• 1 (18- to 20-pound) fresh turkey
• 6 medium ripe pears, such as Anjou or Bosc
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, at room temperature
• 2 medium white onions, peeled and halved
• 1 pound thinly sliced smoked bacon
• 1 1/2 cups hard pear cider such as Ace Perry Cider or Wyder’s
• 3 medium celery stalks, halved crosswise
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 10 medium garlic cloves, peeled
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 medium fresh sage leaves
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 medium dried bay leaf