When it comes to Thanksgiving, turkey and pie are usually the stars of the show. But snacks and sides are just as important for Justine Doiron, a food content creator who specializes in plant-forward recipes. Snacks are right up Doiron’s alley — after all, she’s known as “Mother Snack” on social media, where she goes by @Justine_Snacks and has over two million TikTok followers. She uses simple, in-season ingredients to create comfort food accessible to beginners and advanced cooks alike.
This holiday season, Doiron partnered with Del Monte vegetables to create a lineup of innovative dishes, using ingredients like Hot Honey Carrots and Mexican Style Street Corn to spice up classics. We chatted with Doiron about how she does Thanksgiving on a budget, her partnership with Del Monte, and the importance of a pre-meal cocktail for guests.
Spoon University: What does your ideal Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu look like?
Justine Doiron: Oh great question. Usually something very traditional with a few twists, but super relaxed and easy. This year I did a whole Friendsgiving Menu on my YouTube, but my ricotta tart recipe with Del Monte Hot Honey Carrots is also definitely on the menu this year.
SU: What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes? How did you come up with them?
JD: One of my favorites is the new Hot Honey Carrot Tart with Rosemary Brown Butter Ricotta recipe that I created in partnership with Del Monte. But I’m also really into this Cranberry Sharp Dresser Cocktail that I just think is the perfect mix of festive, unique and delicious. When I come up with recipes, it’s always about starting with a traditional Thanksgiving staple, and then thinking about how I would personally want to eat it — and that’s how a little twist comes in.
SU: What are your tips for someone hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving for the first time, especially college students?
JD: Make this holiday as relaxed as possible, batch as much as you can, and do most of your prep on Wednesday. It’s easy to want to go into host-mode but Thanksgiving is supposed to be easy, community-based and fun! Let friends help, don’t overthink the tablescape, make sure there are SNACKS (no one wants to go hungry until 6 p.m.). The worst Thanksgivings I’ve ever been to are the ones where the host is frantic and caught up in the kitchen. Open it up to a casual, communal cooking day and everything will be much warmer, calm and fun.
SU: For more advanced cooks, what are your tips for putting a fun twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dish?
JD: Take your favorite flavors and start to incorporate them into your recipes! I loved doing this with my Esquites Cornbread with Del Monte.
SU: How can someone make a tasty Thanksgiving menu on a budget? Or last minute?
JD: A budget is all about where you shop. If you are being thrifty this Thanksgiving, I suggest places like Trader Joe’s for all your staples. Del Monte is also the best for this, since their vegetables are affordable, quality, and seasoned so you can cover budget and last-minute all in one go. I also pick up frozen vegetables from the Dollar Store all the time (yes, they have veg!). For last minute gatherings it’s always tricky, you’ll want to keep it small and focus on four good recipes, max. That you can do in one day and have dinner on the table by 7pm!
SU: What tips do you have for creating a fun Thanksgiving atmosphere?
JD: Music, a fire going in the fireplace, and a batched cocktail ready for your guests as soon as they walk in.
SU: What are your favorite food-related Thanksgiving memories?
JD: My husband and I go to the parade every year with some hot chocolate and breakfast sandwiches. We have a secret watching spot where we can roll up at 9:30 a.m. and see the start of the parade right on time. And yes, I’m gatekeeping this!!
SU: Anything else you’d like to add?
JD: Keeping Thanksgiving easy is one of the reasons I partnered with Del Monte. If you are looking for convenience or budget-friendly Thanksgiving staples, they are a great place to look.