Turkey Tools (no, not a new comedy)

[Anonymous]

I am hosting Thanksgiving this year and I don’t have the necessary tools to cook a turkey!

1. What is the best roasting pan with rack? Which brand? I have to buy one this weekend.
2. To brine or not to brine?
3. Are 3 side dishes enough? There will be up to 12 people.

[Anonymous]

Just get a disposable one and set it on a sturdy cookie sheet unless you have tons of storage for rarely used cookware.

I love the buttermilk brine by Samin Nosrat. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021523-buttermilk-brined-roast-turkey?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share

She spatchcocks in the recipe which I haven’t tried before but sounds like a good idea.

Three sides are enough IMO. Have some bread and maybe a salad, too.

[Anonymous]

Yes to brine. Dry brines are really easy.

I think 3 cooked sides are fine, but as the other poster suggested I would add some easy sides such as rolls, salad. We always have cut up fruit (we have some picky people attend so fruit and rolls are a must).