We Day

By: Laura R.

'We Day' in Calgary

One crucial quality that some believe is lacking in many of today's youth is a certain motivational drive. This consists of the drive to do the dishes when their moms repeatedly ask them, the drive to finish their homework when their teachers emphasise the importance of deadlines, and lastly, the drive to make a tangible difference in our society. This is mostly because they have this perception that youth are incapable of making an impact in society. After all, how much change can one kid make? Well, the good news is, this lack of inspiration is fixable; We Day, an organization aiming to inspire and motivate youth to get involved locally and globally, has proven to change this self-doubt into confidence, by gathering more than 18, 000 youth into one stadium. With star-studded dance, light, and music performances (do Justin Bieber or Hedley ring a bell?), two upbeat hosts, and famous motivational speakers that in the past have included Jane Goodall, the honourable 14th Dalai Lama, and Larry King, young people are engaged and excited throughout the whole five hours. The short five hours are only a pittance of time to educate, motivate, and finally create a lasting legacy of charitable values in youth. You may even be muttering to yourself in disbelief, that "Nobody could change that drastically in a couple hours!" but testimonials speak for themselves.

A member of Western's Interact club, Chloe A. described We Day as "inspiring”. “I definitely feel motivated to go out in my community and help out,” she said, “It doesn't matter what I am doing, I just want to know that I am making a difference." All the attendees of We Day feel changes in their mindsets; they leave the stadium (in Calgary it was held at the Saddledome) with a new attribute: the motivational drive.

A notable speaker was the extraordinarily driven Liz Murray. She grew up in the Bronx, and at age fifteen was left orphaned and homeless by her parents who were addicted to drugs and infected with HIV. Even with all odds against her, she not only got through high school, but also earned a full scholarship to Harvard. She is currently a New York Times bestselling author and the founder/director of Manifest Living, a company based around helping those who want to achieve success and complete their life goals. Even Oprah has recognized her achievements, awarding her a Chutzpah award in 2004, meaning that Liz was publicly admired for being audacious and confident. The fact that someone who had to struggle through her early life can even get recognition by one such as Oprah is proof that no matter where you start, it is possible to make a markable difference in your community.

As helpful, exciting, kind-hearted and beneficial as We Day is, one does not have to attend in order to perform something selfless. I encourage you, to take a walk around our hallways and simply choose to do a little something remarkable. Maybe it's picking up a piece of neglected trash or holding the door for someone, or even giving somebody the right of way on those ridiculously overcrowded stairwells - or perhaps, you have your sights set on something bigger, such as charity work. But whatever the deed, big or small, we need more generous, driven people like you in order to prepare for the future. Youth are the next generation and yes, you have the ability to make a difference.

Sugar Cookies with a Holiday Touch!

By Myra K.

Winter holidays are just around the corner and whether that means going on a tropical Caribbean getaway or simply staying home and enjoying a couple of good reads, seasonal cookies are always a must for this special time of year. Let’s face it: cookies are always a great idea, but Winter Break gives us an extra excuse to indulge! The recipe I am about to share with you is a long-celebrated tradition in my family, and brings with it fond memories of laughter and of happiness. This simple, yet delicious recipe will unite family members with tons of kitchen fun! It will truly completely this most wonderful time of the year. I guarantee that you will savour every bite. But please eat with caution: overdose WILL lead to tummy ache.

Recipe for Sugar Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups butter or margarine
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow cookies to cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

For Reindeer Decoration 

Ingredients:

• Whipped Cream or Vanilla Frosting
• Red M&Ms
• Brown Frosting

Directions:

1. Once the sugar cookies have cooled, cover them with whipped cream or vanilla frosting.
2. Add the antlers and eyes using the brown frosting.
3. Finally, use a red M&M to make the nose of each reindeer. Enjoy!

Apocalypse Week, Episode 1: What is the Apocalypse?

By Jillian K.

We’ve been hearing about the Apocalypse all year, and the day is almost upon us! So just what is supposed to happen, and why?

Some people believe that on December 21st, the earth will collide with Planet X (also known as Nibiru), destroying Earth’s delicate ecological balance and all life, save the cockroaches. However, Planet X has never been sighted, and at this stage in the game, if it did, in fact, exist, it would likely be visible to scientists. Others claim that Earth will undergo geomagnetic reversal (the magnetic field would flip 180 degrees). However, scientists say that even if that did occur, it would not prove fatal. Others say that Nostradamus predicted the end of the world, but this is becoming less and less plausible as his vague prophecies continue to lose credibility, and regardless, no such prophecies concerning the upcoming day have been specifically identified as of yet.

Another theory suggests that abnormally large solar flares will engulf, and subsequently incinerate the planet. But solar flares have been happening for years, and result in nothing more than an interruption in satellite communications. Scientists agree that this point in the 11-year solar cycle is typically one of heightened activity, but any flares that happen to be directed at Earth are deflected by our magnetosphere (resulting in the beautiful aurora borealis and aurora australis). So if invisible planets or centuries-old horoscopes fail to give proof, what’s all the hype about?

Many believe that the Mayan calendar has predicted the end of the world. The Mayans followed two calendars. There was the Tzolkin, a short, 260-day calendar that regulated religious ceremonies and divinations throughout the year. The second calendar, called the Haab, was 365 days long - 18 months of twenty days each plus 5 “unlucky” days. This calendar was used to regulate agricultural events, such as plantings and harvests. The Mayans used these two calendars to create varying series of longer counts. One of these long cycles is going to end on the 21st.

Considering its accuracy in predicting various astronomical events down to the day, the Mayan calendar theory is arguably the strongest. However, there are also other signs that seem to point to the end of the world. For instance, the fact that the 21st is the winter solstice is valuable to some people. From an astronomical angle, the 21st is a rare day where Earth and the Sun will line up with the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. While many see 12/21/2012 as the end of the world, others view it as a day that will usher in the beginning of a new era for mankind.

The sum of these theories has been said to add up to something like this: aliens made the Mayan calendar to warn us Earthlings of the lineup of several cosmological bodies, which apparently would result in a powerful beam radiating from the “Galactic Centre”, which would affect our minds in some great and terrible way (grant us omniscience, lobotomize us, etc.) and possibly cause devastating physical changes on the planet. Chaos will ensue.

Are YOU ready?

Shopping Scents

By Amber P.

Every December, people shell out a fair portion of their income for gifts, gifts and more gifts. For retailers, this means profit, profit and more profit. With the vast competition in today’s market, companies are scrambling for anything and everything that will give them even a slight edge. Every company wants to know exactly what it is that will get them out on top. Believe it or not, these tactics include not only advertising and the hugely popular discounts we saw with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but also the scents in stores.

What is it that motivates consumers to buy? This has been largely explored from an audio-visual perspective, with music and colour on television, with the popular establishment of the internet and clever merchandising in stores. Just fifty or sixty years ago, marketing was done very differently, with advertising that would simply discuss cost and performance of a given product. Nowadays, however, corporations have learned through neuroscience and consumer studies that decisions are not made rationally, but are instead influenced by various complex factors of emotion and association that do not occur on the rational level. Largely, the human subconscious is influenced by the senses, but one that hasn’t seemed to get enough attention on the marketing front is the human sense of smell.

Washington State University recently published a study with three sets of four hundred subjects who, when shopping, were exposed to a variety of tests. The first group was exposed to a simple orange scent, the second group to a more complex orange, basil and green tea scent, and finally, the last group, was subjected to no scent at all. The researchers found that those who were exposed to the simple orange scent, as opposed to the two other sets of test subjects spent 20% more. In today’s measures, that’s a pretty significant difference. The reason believed for the results is that the scent is unconsciously calming and pleasant. "Most people are processing it at an unconscious level,” says Spangenberg, one of the scientists, “but it is impacting them.” However, as they found with the complex scent, a scent being pleasing doesn’t mean it’s effective in terms of stimulating people to spend money. The theory behind the results with the complex orange-basil-tea scent is that it is distracting. With so many different undertones, consumers spend more time trying to identify the scents than focusing on shopping; while the simple orange scent contributed to a certain “processing fluency,” the complex scent was taking up the customers’ cognitive “bandwidth.”

Whether you are buying or selling, it is important to understand how people are manipulated into making certain decisions. Even those factors that seem the most banal can make a significant difference when it comes to business. As the business of persuasion becomes more and more complex, there are more and more factors to understand, but when you do, you are no longer a victim of those factors and can become more in control of your decisions.

Reference:

Washington State University website. http://news.wsu.edu/pages/publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=34039&TypeID=1. Retrieved on Sunday, December 9, 2012.

Boys of the Fall

By: Drake C.

Redmen Football. That name doesn’t seem to carry much weight in Calgary High School football, compared to the teams from Notre Dame or Saint Francis. Well, at least on the scoreboards, anyway. Despite the numbers, there is more to our team than meets the eye. The Redmen underwent a rough season in a tough division, which our small team could hardly manage. A disappointing season of no wins and seven losses, which included two forfeits due to lack of players, left the team devastated. The Redmen were bent but not broken.

Through all the turmoil, what held this team together? Perhaps it was the bond created by the core players who were at practice every day, no matter how cold or how sore they were. Many of us knew that this year would be our last season of football, so we couldn’t turn our backs on the game. Furthermore, the leadership shown by key players such as Misha Drury and Nolan O’Reilly gave others an emotional boost when it was needed the most, after a tough loss or even after a rough practice. We grew to count on these guys to be there for us the next day and for the next week.

Now, don’t get me wrong, our team boasts some fairly skilled players, such as running back Jared Pitzel, defensive end Henry Suh, and cornerback Perry Yung, as well as the previously stated linebacker, Misha Drury and safety/receiver Nolan O’Reilly. Our only downfall was that with capable players like David Choi playing on both sides of the ball, we simply didn’t have the number of players needed to field a team properly, and that was shown by our two forfeits.

Despite our many losses, this past season was a great one. Ask any player and he can easily tell you a story about the season, be it achieving personal success on the field, breaking tackles or making them. Or perhaps it’s the memories of the coaches, who, on a side note, volunteered for their positions and stuck them out with us the whole season. Football is about more than winning. It is about being part of the team, having dozens of brothers by your side, for the coveted three-month season throughout the whole year. Football is about learning discipline, and overcoming obstacles. Thinking of Redmen football in that light, our team was a grand success.

This season has left room for opportunity. Take our grade eleven’s for example, not to be too cliché, but there is nowhere to go but up. Players like Eric Britton and Sage Sharma, our two grade eleven captains, will do all they can to secure a larger team next year. We all pray for our remaining players to have a better season next year, and in saying so I vouch for all grade twelve’s sadly leaving the Redmen Football program. Hopefully they can pass on the lessons we have learned to our prospective grade ten’s joining the senior team next year and have just as many stories and memories as we do.

A Retro Look at Time and Space

4 out of 5 stars

 

By Diane H.

The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was written in the 1980s by a creative man named Douglas Adams. It is a trilogy in five parts containing The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe and Everything; Mostly Harmless and So Long and Thanks for all the Fish.

The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy opens with a brief history of the Guide, before moving to the story of a man named Arthur Dent. He is simply sitting at home just before he realizes that his house is about to be demolished. He gets into an altercation with the demolisher, who, coincidentally, is a descendant of Genghis Khan, and both men reach an impasse with Arthur sitting in the mud, and the demolition man trying to tear down his house.

Meanwhile, a friend of Arthur’s has received news on his Sub-Etha Sens-O-Matic not only that a spaceship is in the area, but also that planet Earth is approximately twelve minutes from destruction. Ford Prefect drags Arthur Dent to the bar for a drink and waits for the world to end. And it does: Earth is demolished in order to make way for a new hyperspace bypass.

On the other side of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox, the President of the Imperial Galactic Government, is holding a ceremony for the christening of the newest ship, The Heart of Gold. It uses an Infinite Improbability Drive to determine where it goes. This means that it operates by calculating the improbability of a given thing, feeds that figure into the machine, and just lets it work its magic. Meanwhile, back on Earth, or where Earth used to be, Arthur Dent has hitched a ride on the spaceship that blew up his planet. Now, he is about to start the adventure of his life.

What makes this series so good is the way everything connects. Not a single detail mentioned is insignificant, every tidbit has a way of connecting to the over-arching story. This grand story reveals that those things we wouldn’t ever expect to happen, do happen, and nothing is ever what it seems. There is always so much more to know. But we must learn to accept the way things are, and luckily even the unhappiest of situations have a solution. This book teaches the readers acceptance, makes us laugh and helps us to relax for a bit. This is a book I would definitely recommend. Douglas Adams creates a universe where anything can happen!

An Evening with Brian Mulroney

By Kira D.

St. Francis Xavier University is a small university located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Every year it hosts a national dinner in a different Canadian city to celebrate everything that St. FX represents to the Canadian identity. This year, on October 23rd, the national dinner was held at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary and it gave six high school students from Calgary, of which I was one, the opportunity of a lifetime: to interview former Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, who graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1959. Mr. Mulroney was the leader of the Conservative Party from 1983 to 1993. He was elected into office in 1984, and served as our Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993. Some of his most notable contributions to our country are the Canada-U.S Free Trade Agreement and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Mr. Mulroney, when he walked into the room, commanded the attention of everyone present. He smiled at the high school reporters and made everyone feel comfortable as we moved into a close circle and introduced ourselves. We had twenty minutes to ask him anything we wanted. The first question posed was asking Mr. Mulroney for his advice for young citizens who are interested in politics. He didn’t need any time to think and immediately stated that the most important thing is for students to focus on is their studies. Politics is something that can be done later on, whereas education is needed to open any doors into future careers. For any political standing you need high grades, and to graduate with honours, which cultivates the respect that you will need to make it in this highly competitive field. When asked about what extra-curricular programs are helpful for future hopeful politicians, Mr. Mulroney once again knew exactly what to say. He declared that Debate and Drama programs are the most important. When asked why, he stated that politicians are all actors, and both drama and debate include improvisation, theatrics and a thorough understanding of what you are doing.

The conversation turned more political when the former Prime Minister was questioned on how the Progressive Conservative Party has evolved since he was in office. Mr. Mulroney shook his head and laughed and said that the party has become more right of centre and that split was brought around by the Reform Party. However, the Progressive Conservative Party is still ideologically consistent with his Conservative Party, since both have the same thoughts on major issues and use the same political techniques and reasoning. The conversation was brought into the present and the near future when Justin Trudeau was brought up. Mr. Mulroney kept the smile on his face, however, his demeanour turned slightly to the aggressive side, and he became the politician that I was expecting at the start of the interview. Mr. Mulroney stated that Trudeau is a nice, young man, who has no opposition in the Liberal Party. The former Prime Minister has gone on public record before this interview and said that anyone who underestimates Mr. Trudeau will do so at his own peril.

The last question posed to Mr. Mulroney was about the problems of high school students all over the country; more specifically, those of students who are not yet of legal age to vote, but who wish to make a contribution to political change. Mr. Mulroney said that there is a voting age for a reason; however, there is a high school senate for students under the voting age to deal with issues that come to their attention. One of the current issues brought to the table was bullying, and Mr. Mulroney declared that bullies should be dealt with severely, not just with a slap on the wrist. He also noted that young people are part of the bullying problem as well as part of the solution, and for any change to come about, it needs to come from our generation.

With those words of wisdom, our interview with the former Prime Minister ended; however, we were all still invited to attend the dinner seminar, with Mr. Mulroney as the keynote speaker. Along with the former Prime Minister, Naheed Nenshi, the mayor of Calgary; Katie Lang, an economist on CNN; and Frank McKenna, former premier of New Brunswick and ambassador to the United States, spoke in favour of Western Canada, of Calgary and what we in Alberta have done for the rest of Calgary.

This entire experience was amazing, and one I will never forget. It was incredible to attend an event with so many innovators and history-makers and to hear them speak. I am so thankful to St. Francis Xavier University, to Mr. Brian Mulroney and to Western Canada High School, who allowed me to represent them as a high school reporter.

Do Girls Really Like Jerks?

By Eric C.

I think we all know that saying: “Girls like jerks”. Well, in writing for the school newspaper, I think I’d bring up a topic we’d really find interesting. Whether you’re a desperate guy who’s considering pitiful corruption, or a gal who’s just reading for kicks, this is one of those simple questions in modern-day teenage society that nobody ever bothers to answer. So do girls really like jerks? This is the big question, and thus I shall begin my investigation with a brief explanation of female and male psychology.

We can say that all human beings have a need to express themselves. In other words, we need someone to talk to, to spill the events of our day to: the anger, the joy, the sadness, the fear, the surprise. We need, as human beings, the opportunity to convey our concerns to our peers. But when it comes to girls, they seem to have an internal need for verbal communication that goes way beyond that of their boyish counterparts. Why else do girls congregate to engage in lengthly, non-stop conversations? Why else do girls tell their secrets so much more easily than guys do? Why else do girls plant hugs and kisses on each other when, for guys, a little praise and a nod of approval seems to suffice? It is because girls need to have a stronger sense of trust, and, ironically, it is in jerks that they find it.

I’d like you to first consider any “jerk” friends you may have. You know, the ones who are a lot more capable of being mercilessly insulting than random samplings from the average population. If you’re a little sensitive, then you might find this hard to follow, but for those who can take an insult and have the willpower to retaliate, you might realize that jerks, in general, are easier to approach and encounter than average human beings. Before you challenge my claims, let me tell you why they are so approachable. Jerks, because of their harsh attitude and expressive personalities, disarm the desire to use the manners and the carefulness that you would usually use with someone you respect. Why use manners when, to this person, they seem to be a foreign concept? Why be nice when their offensive behaviour shows that they, in turn, shouldn’t be offended by anything you say? Would you spend time thinking up something nice when something horrible is on the tip of your tongue? No, because in this case, there is absolutely no need. You too show no mercy around jerks, and with them, you can be that jerk you’ve always wanted to be. Therefore, clearly, jerks are easier to approach, easier to get to know, and because they’re less awkward to be around, they’re more interesting, whether you’re a girl or a guy. I think it is now that you begin to see the connection.

Now, let us not forget that girls themselves still need trust. And even when time and time again they find themselves attracted to a jerk and his methods, you very commonly see them break up, with the girl ultimately complaining about how she just can’t seem to find a nice guy. This is the turning point of my article. In truth, even if you can approach a jerk much more easily, he is still a jerk. A jerk, you’ll have to remember, will always be insulting, and even when the girl has had a bad day, the jerk won’t care and he’ll continue to be his horrible little self. I think what I’m getting at here, is that girls, by logic, really yearn for a nice guy who are there for them and keeps them happy while knowing that it is the nice guys they can trust. What I’m really trying to get at, is that even though a jerk may be more attractive, he won’t be there for his girlfriend when she needs him. Ultimately, my “thesis” here is that it is best for a guy have a few characteristics from both the good and bad sides. The most successful tip a guy could ever receive is to make sure his conversations stay natural and funny. If you’re a nice guy but you want to be a jerk just for fun, don’t cross the line; just treat a girl like you’d treat a close friend. Be obnoxious at times, but be yourself, and never, never, never be awkward. Of course, I’m not saying that being a nice guy won’t work, but if you start out as somebody with an edge, and then show her your true colours as someone who is truly dependable and caring, then you’ll have succeeded. In sum, be mysterious at the beginning, but be nice later on.

Eh-hem, so in conclusion, I suppose if you are a nice guy, don’t lose hope, because contrary to popular belief, you are really what a girl wants in life. If you just learn to tune it the right way and use a little practice, then you will go far; that, I guarantee.

A New Twist on an Old Fall Classic - Beets

By: Laurie L.

Beets happen to be one of the few vegetables that Canadians manage to grow successfully, or, in other words, in great excess. Other vegetables in the beet family include Swiss chard, which is a stronger tasting beet green, and potatoes. This limited variety provides for a not particularly inspiring assortment. Beets are also one of the few vegetables that manage to last into September and beyond, once out of the ground and inside the fridge.

I had rarely come into contact with beets until four years ago when my parents discovered that they grew several times more successfully than carrots. I felt very unfortunate then, as suddenly, I found myself eating boiled beets every day. I concede that, yes, sometimes it was golden beets, red beets, or the occasional serving of striped beet, but the repetition eventually led me to desperately try and find other methods of consumption; the following recipes are among those that resulted.

Both of the recipes attached use a combination of beets and chocolate, the most popular pairing that I have heard of. It makes sense as well, since chocolate is assertive enough in its own right to stand up to beets. Recipes, other than the ones I have included, can contain beets solely on their own. I have also tried a mille crêpe that introduces beets alongside some more delicate flavors.

I don’t mind the taste of beets now - although candied beets are still a bit beyond me. To be honest, the current issue at hand is the Swiss chard influx (which is the new vegetable that graces the table every evening). Nonetheless, I’m still left with the same lingering sentiments of finding yet another way to eat the infamous beet.

Chocolate Beet Cake

This was the first beet-related endeavor I made, a couple years ago. Neither beet cakes nor chocolate and beets are particularly new ideas. This recipe is loosely adapted from “Golden Layer Cake” recipe from How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman.

• ¼ cup butter
• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup red beet puree (from approx. 4 beets)
• 1.5 oz dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• a generous pinch of salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg white

1. Beat egg white until it reaches firm peaks (but not stiff), and set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg, and then melted chocolate.
3. Ensure beet puree is at room temperature before adding to butter mixture.
4. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk in a few additions.
6. Fold in egg white.
7. Bake at 350°F. Batter fills around 10 cupcakes for around 20 minutes, or one buttered and floured loaf pan or 8” cake pan for around 40 minutes. Check the cake with a skewer; it is done when there are only a few crumbs clinging.

 

Beet Mille-Crêpe

I made this particular favourite of mine last month. Have I ever mentioned I adore my crêpe pan – self-seasoned and all? It is my pride and joy.

This crêpe recipe is slightly adapted from How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, and the pastry cream recipe is generously adapted from Laura Calder (http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/
recipe.html?dishid=9013). In retrospect, to ensure the lavender can be tasted, I would sprinkle extra, dried, crumbled, lavender flowers over the occasional layer.


Crêpes (approx. 24)

• 2 cups flour
• a pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup water
• 4 eggs
• 4 tbsp neutral oil

1. Sift together flour, salt and sugar. Add milk, water and eggs, beat until mostly lump free, however also trying to avoid beating in air. Let rest, refrigerated, for at least an hour.
2. Skim off foam that rises to the top; this can be used to make the first crêpe to test the temperature of the pan. Mix in oil.
3. Heat a 9” pan, either well seasoned or non-stick over medium heat. Brush with a thin layer of oil.
4. Ladle in enough batter to swirl and cover the bottom of the pan (if there is excess, pour out). Let cook until set and edges are slightly dry. Loosen edges with a spatula, and flip with fingertips. Allow batter to cook until both sides are fully set, remove to a plate.
5. Repeat until all the batter has been used up. If batter browns too quickly, lower the heat, and if the batter takes too long to set, raise the heat.

Pastry Cream

• 3 tbsp cream
• 4 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
• A few sprigs of lavender
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 5 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Scant 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beet puree
• ½ cup heavy cream, whipped

1. In a small bowl, heat 3 tbsp cream until boiling, and pour over white chocolate, stir until melted.
2. Remove lavender flowers from stem and add to milk in a small saucepan. Heat milk until steaming, and gradually add to chocolate, whisking until smooth.
3. Whisk together eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Reheat milk until steaming, gradually pour into eggs in order to temper and prevent curdling.
5. Return to pan, and cook over med-low heat, whisking constantly, until pastry cream is thickened. Transfer to bowl, beat in beet puree, cover, and let cool.
6. Fold in whipped cream. Chill until ready to assemble.

Assembly

1. Spread each crêpe with a thin layer of pastry cream, and stack another on top. Repeat until all crêpes have been used.
2. Chill for at least a couple hours before serving to allow everything to set.