Serves eight to ten

George Vanderbilt’s Favorite Turkey and Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients:• 20–25 pound turkey
• Cornbread, prepared
• 6 buttermilk biscuits, prepared
• 1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup ground sage
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Method:

Rinse turkey and rub with salt inside and out.
Using a large boiler or cooker, place turkey in enough water to almost cover it (one gallon or more).
Heat to boiling point and cook on medium for about 2 1/2 hours or until breast is tender; use a ladle to baste broth over the breast meat to keep it moist.
For cornbread dressing:Bake a large pan of cornbread using your favorite cornbread recipe.
Bake about six buttermilk biscuits using your favorite recipe, or purchase frozen biscuits and bake.
Peel eggs and chop or grate them into large mixing bowl. Add onions, celery, sage, salt and pepper. Crumble cornbread and biscuits into bowl.
When turkey is done, pour turkey broth over the cornbread dressing until the desired consistency is reached. Mix well, using plenty of broth so that dressing will be moist and soft when done.

Place turkey in center of large baking pan. Spoon dressing into and around turkey. Bake in 425ºF oven for about 45 minutes. If turkey browns too soon, cover with aluminum foil.Winemaster’s Suggestion:This recipe is known as one of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s favorites. We think it’s exceptional with our buttery, complex Biltmore® Chardonnay or our elegant and medium-bodied Biltmore® Reserve Pinot Noir. Try it with both wines and see which you prefer!

The creator of this recipe, Ellen Davis, came to Biltmore House from the community of Avery Creek in the spring of 1899 to work as a cook for the Vanderbilts. She fell in love with Thomas H. Johnson, a groomsman in the Stables, and they were married the following spring. This recipe was a favorite of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s, and it became a tradition for Ellen Johnson to prepare it for them each year.

Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.