TikTok has an aesthetic for your next socially distanced picnic

By Lily Curlin

Photo courtesy of Lily Curlin.

I heard the suggestions of teachers to read as much as I could through quarantine. I saw the Instagram stories of peers learning guitar and knitting. I sat through multiple lectures from my parents about getting started on college applications early. And yet, I chose to spend my time in lonely isolation doing the same things you did: TikTok and eating. 

You are probably now quite familiar with the world of TikTok’s stylistic subcultures, or aesthetics. Maybe you even feel compelled to dive into cottagecore or dark academica. Here are four picnic-friendly, and thus pandemic-appropriate, recipes to fit your favorite TikTok aesthetics. 

Photos courtesy of Lily Curlin.

Academia: Fig and Goat Cheese Crostinis

• Ingredients
  
  • The Crustini
    
    • Baguette in ½” slices
      
    • Olive Oil
      
    • Salt and Pepper
      
  • The Spread
    
    • 3 oz Goat Cheese 
      
    • ½ tbsp diced Shallot
      
    • 1 tsp diced fresh Tarragon 
      
  • Fresh Figs in ¼” slices 
    

1. The Crostini

• Preheat your oven to 350°. Brush baguette slices with olive oil. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned. Allow to cool.
  

2. The Spread

• Add goat cheese, shallot and tarragon to a mixing bowl. Mix until goat cheese is smooth and seasonings are fully incorporated. 
  

3. Put it all together

• On each crostini, spread a layer of goat cheese. Top with fig slices and tarragon leaves. Enjoy!
  

Photo courtesy of Lily Curlin.

Pastel Minimalist: Japanese Fruit Sandwiches
 

• Ingredients
  
  • White Bread
    
  • 1c Heavy Whipping Cream
    
  • 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar
    
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
    
  • Sliced Fruits of your choice
    
    • Strawberries, Kiwis, Mango, Oranges, etc. 
      

1. Pour heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. 
   
2. On two pieces of bread, spread generous layers of whipped cream. Arrange fruit on one slice, and add cream to fill in any gaps. Close the sandwich with the second slice
   
3. Tightly wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready, gently remove plastic wrap. Slice off crusts and cut the sandwich in half diagonally. Enjoy!
   

Photos courtesy of Lily Curlin.

Cottagecore: Rustic Apple Tart

• Ingredients
  
  • 1 Sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
    
  • 3 Apples, sliced
    
  • ⅓ c Sugar
    
  • 1tsp Vanilla Extract
    
  • 1tsp Cinnamon
    
  • 2 tbsp melted Unsalted Butter
    
  • ⅛ tsp Salt
    

1. Preheat your oven to 350°. Lightly grease a cast iron skillet with butter and a little flour. 
   
2. Mix apple slices, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, melted butter and salt in a mixing bowl.
   
3. Lightly roll your puff pastry with a rolling pin until it will fit nicely into your skillet. Place in skillet, pressing down edges. 
   
4. Arrange apple slices in the skillet.
   
5. Bake until the pastry is golden brown. Let cool and Enjoy!
   

Normcore: Country Time lemonade

• Ingredients
  
  • Country Time lemonade mix
    
  • Water
    

1. Follow instructions on the back of the container. Add ice. Enjoy!