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Adelaise

Williams, Marlene Hogue, Danny Garcia, Olivia Blackwell

Mrs. Motsinger

H 9th Lit, 2nd Period

12/7/22

Concessionaire Rationale

The theme of our tent is a gym. So, we decided to make a Protein Shake, Coq au vin

Blanc, and Protein Bites for our three-course meal. The reasoning behind these delicacies is

protein after a workout repairs muscles, cinnamon increases concentration and eases muscle

stiffness, chicken is high in protein, and many aspects of the original circus are French.

The appetizer is a Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake. Since our tent is a gym, it is important

that the visitors have plenty of protein after their workout, so they can enjoy the rest of their visit.

According to the article What Are the Benefits of Protein Shakes After a Workout by Leigh

Mathews, “Taking protein in the first 30 minutes or so after a workout can, however, help the

body to begin quickly healing the micro-tears in the muscle, a process which makes muscles

stronger over time.” By consuming a protein shake after working out, the amino acids increase

muscle strength for the next visit. In addition to muscle repair, this shake can also decrease

aching and weariness. This will allow the visitors to enjoy the rest of the circus without being too

tired.

Both the protein shake and protein bites contain cinnamon, because it is an important

spice with many medicinal benefits. One gain from consuming cinnamon post-workout is that it

helps ease stiffness. Emily Brown writes in the article The Health Benefits of Cinnamon,

cinnamon “has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and ease muscle
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soreness.” This delicious spice not only makes you feel at home, but also speeds up the recovery

process after a workout. If people wear themselves out at the gym, they will not have the energy

to visit other tents in the circus. So, including cinnamon in meals will motivate them to stay all

night without feeling sore.

We chose a dish with chicken for the main course, because chicken has the highest

amount of protein out of all the meats. This will ensure that the visitors have enough nutrition

after they workout. In the article 10 Foods That Are Almost Pure Protein, Semeco states

“Chicken breast is a very popular source of protein, with a 3-ounce breast providing 27 grams.

It’s also a great source of minerals and B-vitamins.” When finishing a workout, it is important to

maintain a high protein diet to rebuild muscles and replenish energy. Not only does it taste

wonderful, but chicken is also the perfect food to meet these needs.

In addition to the Coq Au Vin Blanc being high in protein, it pays a tribute to the French

aspects of the original circus. The very first proprietor of Le Cirque de Rêves was Chandresh

Cristophe Lefèvre, whom most likely had French origins. Although Morgenstern did not

explicitly state if he was French, it can be assumed from his name and the name of the circus.

“Word spreads quickly of rêveurs attending Le Cirque de Rêves decked in black or white or grey

with a single shock of red...” (Morgenstern, pg. 183). Many words surrounding the circus are

French, such as rêveurs or le bateleur. By serving a French recipe in our tent, we are

commemorating the original vision and proprietor of the circus.

The Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Bites resemble the homey scent of the circus.

During one visit to the circus, Bailey describes it as “the smell of caramel blended perfectly with

the woody smoke of a warming fire.” (Morgenstern, pg. 449). This scent is exactly what drew

hundreds of rêveurs to feel so passionate about the circus. It creates a welcoming and hospitable
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atmosphere. These protein bites will energize the visitors while giving that same feeling of

security and warmth.

Overall, the meals are beneficial for post-workout nourishment while still honoring the

original vision for Le Cirque De Rêves. The protein shake, chicken, and protein bites all repair

muscles. The cinnamon and caramel in the appetizer and dessert both make the circus feel like

the visitors’ home away from home.

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Works Cited

Mathews, Leigh. “What Are the Benefits of Protein Shakes After a Workout?” PGX (2014)

Brown, Emily. “The Health Benefits of Cinnamon” Active (2016)

Semeco, Arlene. “10 Foods That Are Almost Pure Protein” Healthline (2019)

Morgenstern, Erin. The Night Circus. New York: Anchor Books, 2012.