No need to guess! Leave the Turkey Day math to us

Quick! How many people does a 12-pound turkey feed? How many servings in a can of cranberry sauce? How long should you brine the bird?

Don't worry, we're lousy at Thanksgiving trivia, too. That's why we assembled this Turkey Day cheat sheet. This way you can focus on your family, friends and good eats without having to worry your way through culinary equations.

All serving estimates are generous to allow for plenty of seconds and leftovers.

__HOW BIG?__

For turkeys less than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1 1/2 pounds per person whatever the turkey's size.

* For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey * For 10 people, buy a 15-pound turkey * For 12 people, buy an 18-pound turkey * For 14 people, buy a 20-pound turkey

__THE BIG THAW__

The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. You'll need about 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. You also can put the turkey in a sink of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes, and plan for about 30 minutes per pound.

__THE BRINE__

Never brine a turkey for more than about 8 to 10 hours. Much longer and the meat will be too salty. Always keep the bird refrigerated during brining. If the turkey is too big, an ice-filled cooler stored outside works, too.

__THE ROAST__

Roasting temperatures vary widely by recipe. Some go at a slow and steady 325 F. Others crank the heat to 400 F or 425 F for the first hour, then drop it down for the rest of the time.

However you roast, use an instant thermometer inserted at the innermost part of the thigh (without touching bone) to determine when your turkey is done. The meat needs to hit 165 F for safe eating, though some people say thigh meat tastes better at 170 F.

The following roasting time estimates are based on a stuffed turkey cooked at 325 F. Reduce cooking time by 20 to 40 minutes for turkeys that are not stuffed. And remember, a crowded oven cooks more slowly, so plan ahead if your bird needs to share the space.

* 12-pound turkey: 3 to 4 hours at 325 F * 15-pound turkey: 4 to 4 1/2 hours at 325 F * 18-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5 hours at 325 F * 20-pound turkey: 5 to 6 hours at 325 F

__THE REST__

The turkey should never go directly from the oven to the table. Like most meat, it needs to rest at least 20 minutes before serving for the juices to redistribute.

__THE SIDES__

* Carrots: a 1-pound bag makes 4 to 5 servings * Cranberry sauce: a 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries makes about 2 1/4 cups of sauce; a 16-ounce can has 6 servings * Gravy: plan for 1/3 cup of gravy per person * Green beans: 1 1/2 pounds of beans makes 6 to 8 servings * Mashed potatoes: a 5-pound bag of potatoes makes 10 to 12 servings * Stuffing: a 14-ounce bag of stuffing makes about 11 servings