Manifestivities: Outfits, Food and Drinks for Strike UF's Socially-Distant Launch Party
We made it. Or perhaps, we’re just getting started.
As the semester ends, the launch of Issue V begins. We can’t help but liken Issue V’s launch and turning the final page of the 2020 calendar to undressing after an event, be it a ball or a business meeting. It comes close to the freedom felt from scrubbing off smeared layers of make-up and mascara, loosening a tie or belt and relishing in the relief of undoing that bra strap. We did it. We are here. We are so incredibly proud to publish Issue V.
We are unable to gather in person to celebrate our newest publication, so we brought the party to you. Right here, right now, right on this blog post. We want to make sure you feel as enlivened in your own exploration of manifestation as we have, so we’ve put together some helpful amenity inspo. Check out our favorite socially-distant launch party looks, meals and cocktails to indulge in wherever you end up reading Issue V.
FASHION
If lockdown has taught us anything, it's that nothing should limit style — not the walls of an apartment, not preventative precautions and certainly not an online occasion. Issue V encourages manifesting the most in any situation, so, while there’s no conventional event this time around, at least you can ditch the dress code! If you’re either looking to rest or dress your best for the launch party, here are a few of the finest looks to manifest.
BUNDLE UP ‘N’ BASH
Nothing takes the weight off like wearable, weighted blankets. As we take time to look inward and reflect on this issue, let’s get comfortable. It’s sure to be wholesome, so stoke your fires and snuggle into an oversized armchair.
For those of us intent on cozying it up for this holiday season’s launch, there’s nothing wrong with pretending we haven’t been inside this entire time, anyway. Great for holding in both the heat and your thoughts as you comb through your difficulties in Phase 1, warming up in threads like these can keep you at peace through any event or emotional endeavor.
Hold your hair up with some scrunchies, slip into some suede boots, or the more casual pair of fuzzy socks, and it’s the closest most can manage to a bear hug from someone like cable-knit advocate Chris Evans — at this point, you deserve it.
Anyone already feeling snug enough to have their eyes drooping, hang in there! There’s much more to manifest...
COPING CASUALLY
If you’d rather ease into the year’s end, strike a healthy balance between comfy and cool in the loveliest loungewear and athleisure. Reflective joggers and jackets are great for an outward feel, but the classic cloth and cotton sweats, or wide-leg pants, still kill at keeping things introspective and subdued while looking inwardly for Phase 2.
Peel back and complement your outer layers with the refreshing airiness of Katie Holmes’s signature cashmere bra. The freeing piece will ensure you don’t have to worry about being supported while you support peers and strive to empathize as you read Phase 3. Neutral, beige tones allow the styles to speak for themselves, but neon attire can help highlight brightness worth bonding over.
Still feel unsteady? Prop yourself up on chunky sandals or sneakers like Birks or Disruptors and, along with the other feel-good favorites, you’ll be living in low-key luxury. Fashion and function are both always in.
FLOW WITH THE FESTIVITIES
It’s time to dress like no one’s watching.
But rest assured — no matter if you celebrate over Zoom or at a safe distance — everyone will be. Issue V guides us to utopia by Phase 4, so why not wear like you’re already there?
An obvious match for the more elegant hors d’oeuvres and drinks, flow is the way to go if you’re looking for something outgoing. Celebrate to the max with the magic of maxi dresses as long as the year itself, and you’ll be treating any carpet or patch of concrete like a catwalk. There’s no need to be shy in choosing a design, either. Between, lace, satin and floral patterns, free-flowing dresses are canvases ripe for self-expression.
For footwear, any stilettos or peep-toe platform heels are perfect picks to strut your stuff. Partiers intent on skipping the hassle, feel free to dance and flutter your dresses barefoot — like any true celebration, we know we’ll probably end up kicking them off, anyway.
As you accessorize, make sure to personalize with options like quartz necklaces for the crystal kids and shimmering chains or hoop earrings for the golden girls. Anyone who doesn’t jive with jewelry can select a silk scarf to top a fit better than any gift bow. Even if you’re not married to the idea of traditional accessories, consider elevating the occasion with veils like those brought to the runway by Tom Ford and Richard Quinn.
Whatever you choose, take the chance to let loose for the launch.
FOOD
While quarantine may have turned some people into chefs and others into take-out pros, we’re ready to help you create a launch party spread that is striking, yet simple. With these favorites, you'll be ready to host a meal that is sure to impress, even if it’s a little smaller than your usual party. Elevate your dishes from ones that feel less like the dinner party episode from “The Office” to meals Blair Waldorf would cater on “Gossip Girl” with this appetizer, entrée and dessert:
Image Courtesy: Half Baked Harvest
APPETIZER: ON RICOTTA CLOUD NINE
Whether you are partying with staff members on Zoom or celebrating solo, this aesthetic appetizer will keep you, your taste buds and your copy of Issue V company. This whipped ricotta and prosciutto cracker recipe serves looks and flavor. Top your favorite cracker with honey whipped ricotta to create an epic juxtaposition of sweet and salty. Then, add fresh prosciutto and pomegranate arils to add a fruity burst to your ricotta cloud. This dish encapsulates the flavors of a beloved cheese board, but it wraps it all into an individual serving that’s ideal for socially-distant gatherings. We recommend the “fig and olive crisps” from Trader Joe’s to easily add dimension and deliciousness. Just as we collaborated to launch Issue V, a light topping of fig jam will bring this appetizer’s abundant flavors together.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tbsp honey, use more for drizzle
flaky sea salt and black pepper
1 (12 oz) box crackers
18-22 tsp fig spread or jam (optional)
3 oz prosciutto, torn
1 cup pomegranate arils
fresh thyme, for serving
DIRECTIONS:
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, pulse together the ricotta and honey until smooth and creamy. Season the blend with salt and pepper. Then, arrange the crackers on a serving plate. Spread a small amount of fig preserves (if using) on each cracker. Add a dollop of the whipped ricotta. Then, top each creation with a piece of torn prosciutto. Sprinkle the pomegranate arils and thyme over the prosciutto. Serve with drizzled honey and sea salt.
ENTRÉE: FULL-ON FONDUE
Fondue is a classic dish that brings the fancy without the stress. From holidays to celebrations, this customizable dinner features incredible flavors and range. You can opt to combine your favorite cheeses and pair them with a crusty baguette and fresh apple slices, or make a delicious beef broth for a perfect steak dinner.
This broth fondue recipe cooks in five minutes and will leave you manifesting this steak dish for days. While you wait for your dinner to sizzle in the pot, flip through the pages of our newest issue to remind yourself that, through the chaos of 2020, you created a magazine. Now, you deserve to make yourself dinner! For our veggie enthusiasts, virtually any vegetable will find a home in this broth. Regardless of what you choose to use as a “dipper,” be sure to serve it with homemade horseradish sauce.
Cheese fondue is a must for any occasion, and this smoky recipe is here to make your dairy dreams come true. Truffle oil makes a guest appearance in this dish; after one bite, it will become a permanent resident in your pantry. Essentially anything tastes delectable when dipped in this fondue, so get creative and cheesy!
BROTH FONDUE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
32 oz beef broth
1 head garlic sliced in half
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tsp ground black pepper
Dippers of your choice:
1 lb of thinly sliced sirloin
½ lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
Vegetables of your choosing
DIRECTIONS:
In a fondue pot, combine all broth, garlic, water, soy sauce, bay leaf and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Dip dippers and leave in broth until cooked through.
CHEESE FONDUE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
12 oz smoked gouda cheese, cubed
8 oz gruyere cheese, cubed
4 oz swiss cheese, cubed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 tbsp brandy (optional)
1 tbsp truffle oil (optional)
Freshly-grated nutmeg
DIRECTIONS:
Add the cubed cheese to a bowl and toss with the cornstarch and cayenne. Rub inside of a fondue pot with garlic; discard garlic. Pour the white wine, brandy and truffle oil (if using) into the fondue pot, and place over medium-low heat. When liquid starts to bubble, start adding the cheese by the handful, stirring until melted and combined. Season with nutmeg and pepper. Keep over low heat until ready to serve.
DESSERT: PARISIAN PIES
Mini French silk pies are just as elegant as our magazine. Issue V comes with many surprises and revelations, and these pies come with an unexpected twist of their own-- a chocolate chip cookie crust. Instead of crafting the crust from scratch, you can opt to use pre-made cookie dough to make these pies come together in a snap.
This recipe is dangerously easy to whip up, so expect to bake more Parisian Pies after the launch party has ended and you’ve fulfilled your manifestation journey. The chocolate mousse filling is angelic and transports your tastebuds to Paris in one bite. Although we wish we could be partying under the dazzling Eiffel Tower, these pies will hold us over until then. Their size not only makes them adorable, but they’re also ideal for serving food safely at socially-distant gatherings.
Image Courtesy: Well Plated
DIRECTIONS:
To make the crust, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a mini-muffin tin. Divide the cookie dough into 24 balls and place the dough into each prepared muffin tin cup. Bake the crusts for 15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and with the bottom of a shot glass, make an impression into each cup. Let cool for 10 minutes and then remove from the tin with a butter knife.
To prepare the filling, cream the butter until smooth. Then beat in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light-colored and well blended. Then beat in the salt. Once the melted chocolate is cooled, beat the chocolate and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat for a full 5 minutes after each addition. Spoon the French silk pie filling into each of the cooled cookie cups. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set. Top the pies with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Then, serve!
INGREDIENTS:
16 oz chocolate chip cookie dough (homemade or premade)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large pasteurized eggs at room temperature
Whipped cream (for serving)
Chocolate shavings (for serving)
These three recipes are sure to keep you fed and fulfilled while reading the four phases depicted in Issue V. Although we wish we could be channeling our inner-chef in the kitchen with you, we’ll stick to sending you virtual hugs and recipes for now.
DRINK
What’s a socially-distanced launch party without a drink in your hand? Now that you’ve slipped into your finest sweatpant ensemble and lined your stomach with an abundance of hors d'oeuvres, it’s time to have a drink and let your messy bun down. While we can’t make an in-person toast to commemorate the launch of Issue V, we’ve compiled a list of elevated cocktails to indulge in, as well as a mocktail for our non-drinking peers. These libations are chic, yet simple, and are synonymous with the fast-approaching holiday season.
THE DECEMBER DETOX
For those looking for a cocktail with a fruiter essence, look no further than this remarkable Pomegranate Lime Basil cocktail, which is infused with flavors fit for any event of the upcoming season. The fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice packs the drink with antioxidants and enriches it with a wintery feel. The basil and lime further elevates the cocktail, giving it a cool, crisp finish. Like the Cucumber Ginger cocktail before this, we find it pairs well with either vodka or gin - you choose your vice.
Image Courtesy: Sweet Lizzy
INGREDIENTS:
For the syrup:
1 cup fresh pomegranate juice (can substitute for store-bought)
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp raw honey
½ tbsp fresh, chopped basil
For the cocktail:
Soda water
Gin or vodka
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
For the syrup, whisk together the pomegranate juice, lime juice, honey and basil in a bowl, and set aside.
To make the cocktail, pour 1.5 oz. gin or vodka, 1.5 oz. pomegranate syrup and 3 oz. soda water in a lowball glass with ice. Give it a stir and add fresh pomegranate arils, a lime and a fresh basil leaf for garnish.
ICE, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE
Image Courtest: 40 Aprons
This Cucumber Ginger cocktail is one that’s sophisticated without the stress of a cumbersome recipe. Originally conceptualized for a martini glass, we optimized it for a highball over ice to dress it down. The flavors of this light cocktail share the stage harmoniously, with neither stealing more of the spotlight from one another. The cool, crisp flavor of the cucumber melds with the warm spice of the ginger. There’s not much effort needed to make this superstar cocktail that’s sure to stand out. When your post-launch blues start to set in, you'll be able to make yourself another cocktail with the leftover syrup that stays good in the fridge for up to two weeks.
INGREDIENTS:
For the syrup:
10 slices of ginger, about a ¼” thick
1 medium cucumber, sliced
2 cups sugar (you can use 1 ¾ cups agave nectar as a substitute)
2 cups water
For the cocktail:
Soda water
Gin or vodka
Cucumber slices for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Place cucumber and ginger slices in a heat-proof bowl. Next, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved. Pour sugar-water mixture over cucumber and ginger slices and let sit for two hours. After, strain mixture into a sealable container and chill in the fridge.
In a highball glass with ice, add 2 oz. of the cucumber-ginger syrup, 1.5 oz. of top-shelf gin or vodka and 5 oz. of soda water. Add two slices of cucumber for garnish, and enjoy.
Image Courtesy: Town & Country
SMOKING SNAPDRAGON
For those who are trying to socially distance themselves from a hangover from hell, we included a mocktail. The Smoking Snapdragon is a rich, warm mocktail with a melding of flavors sure to get you into the spirit of the season. The warm spice of the fresh-pressed ginger juice intermingles with the sweetness of the apple kombucha, giving us bubbly, wintery goodness. Additionally, the smoky spice of cinnamon aromatics takes the drink to the next level. If you're feeling spicier than the smoky cinnamon, you can add a shot of bourbon to it.
INGREDIENTS:
Cold apple cider
Health-Ade pink lady apple kombucha
Fresh-pressed ginger juice
Cinnamon sticks
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Apple slice for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
First, light a cinnamon stick until it starts smoking and place a lowball glass over it for 2-3 minutes. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1.5 oz. cold apple cider, 1.5 oz. kombucha and 1 oz. fresh-pressed ginger juice in the shaker, and shake to combine. Turnover lowball glass and fill with ice. If you’re feeling crafty, you can order these ice cube molds from Amazon to make your own large ice cubes or spheres. Lastly, add an apple slice and a dusting of nutmeg for garnish. For an alcoholic version, throw in 1.5 oz. of a top-shelf bourbon of your choosing.
As the dust settles, both on your extravagant launch party and this tumultuous year of life we call 2020, let’s allow ourselves to acknowledge all that we’ve managed to manifest in spite of it. The unremitting undertaking of identifying a problem, self-reflecting and striking a balance to ultimately achieve awakening has paid off outside of and among the glossy pages of Strike Magazine UF Issue V. Yes, we finally made it. We hope you make the most of it.
Phase 1: Difficulty / Phase 2: Introspection / Phase 3: Finding Balance / Phase 4: Awakening
Strike Out,
Writers: AJ Bafer, Charlotte Dwyer, Jacob McLean
Editor: Hannah Shelton
Gainesville