Daring Bakers Challenge : French Yule Log
Could this be the richest and most luxurious Daring Bakers challenge yet? If not, can we agree that it certainly comes close? It’s the kind of chocolate dessert you might find listed with cliched words like “indulgence” or “oblivion” tacked to the end of it.
This month’s challenge is brought to us by the adventurous Hilda from Saffron and Blueberry and Marion from Il en Faut Peu Pour Etre Heureux. They have chosen a French Yule Log by Flore from Florilege Gourmand.
If you’re wondering, hang on, a yule log .. didn’t we make one this time last year? Well, I thought the same too, but was put right when I read the definition of a French yule log.
As it turns out, this yule log, or Buche de Noel, is somewhat akin to an ice-cream cake, or a frozen version of the typical buttercream-laden yule log we are more familiar with. Mine consists of flavours that pretty much adhere to the original recipe. The layers are almond dacquoise, dark chocolate mousse, vanilla creme brulee, hazelnut praline, dark chocolate ganache and icing. A great choice of dessert for this time of the year, I think, because of the warm weather here in Sydney.
Not that warm weather would deter me from baking. After a few forkfuls of this wonderful dessert, I think ‘Chocolate Ooh’ might even be a nice addition to that list of cliched words. Or maybe ‘Chocolate Blessing’, because I’m thankful for having managed to find a little time this month to make this challenge. I’m grateful because the alternative would mean never having had the opportunity to experience this pure Chocolate Sensation. This Chocolate Bliss. This Chocolate Epiphany of textures, from ultra smooth mousse to crunchy praline and toothsome ganache. This Chocolate Happiness.
If you have been sufficiently tempted enough to make it, you might want to search for the recipe on the hosts’ blogs (thanks, guys!), or from the blogs of other DB members.
Tags: chocolate, custard, Daring Bakers, ganache, mousse, vanilla
steph (whisk/spoon) said,
January 1, 2009 @ 12:05 am
definitely chocolate bliss! yours is gorgeous!
Mandy said,
January 1, 2009 @ 1:50 am
with the amount of chocolate and cream used in the yule log, I have to agree that this is the most luxurious and richest DB challenge. Your log looks stunning!
jillian said,
January 1, 2009 @ 3:15 am
Your yule log looks magnificent! This was a very rich challenge!
Y said,
January 1, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Thanks everyone, for the comments! I’ve only recently found a bit of time to finally check out everyone else’s logs, and wow, there’s some amazing, creative stuff out there!
Y said,
January 1, 2009 @ 11:24 am
PS: Cathy, what the heck are you talking about! :PP
Elle said,
January 1, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
It might be the classic combination, but your log is Chocolate Perfection! Such smooth icing and lovley layers….mmmm Chocolate bliss indeed.
breadchick said,
January 1, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
How on EARTH did you get your frosting so perfectly smooth looking?!
Your log is lovely.
Holly said,
January 1, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
Beautiful photos! What did you use to decorate the top of the log?
Joy said,
January 2, 2009 @ 4:18 am
Wow – so beautiful!
linda said,
January 2, 2009 @ 7:39 am
Just perfect! Love the decoration, not sure what the light stuff is, looks hoky poky-ish or cookie-ish?
Y said,
January 2, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Holly and Linda : Those are chocolate curls, and bits of chestnut crumble, made with chestnut flour and the usual crumble ingredients 🙂
Sophie said,
January 2, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Your pics are gorgeous! This new camera is so tough to figure out :P. Delicious, delicious…I’ve been craving chocolate so much lately!
Tartelette said,
January 2, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Absolutely gorgeous! And you are a woman after my own heart by pouring more glaze on cut slices…Yeah!!!!
Anjanette said,
January 3, 2009 @ 2:26 am
Gorgeous! Just gorgeous!
Cafe Nay Nay said,
January 3, 2009 @ 5:29 am
Your log looks amazing. I love the chocolate gaze streaming onto the slice! Yummy!
LISA said,
January 3, 2009 @ 6:45 am
Your photo skills are amazing! Plus I love your log… beautiful… I would buy it! I love the shaved chocolate… I love everything about it!
venus said,
January 3, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Oh dear! It looks sinfully decadent!
lisa (dandysugar) said,
January 6, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
Absolutely stunning!
Meeta said,
January 6, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
what a perfect looking log. You really did a great job of it: I love the clean look!
Chef_d said,
January 7, 2009 @ 6:52 am
Your yule log looks absolutely gorgeous!
Lauren said,
January 7, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
OK, I just joined the Daring Bakers. You are all having way too much fun without me! Amazing job – just beautiful.
rainbowbrown said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:24 am
Did you pour more chocolate onto that slice? Indulgence is the right word. Very, very pretty cakes.
Cakelaw said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
Your log turned out beautifully – I love the shiny chocolate icing.
gine said,
January 10, 2009 @ 9:19 am
Wow … looks superdelicious!! 🙂 Like your blog it’s very beautiful! XOXO
Hilda said,
January 11, 2009 @ 6:31 am
I’m sorry I only got here today. Your log ( and pictures with the extra ganache maybe?) is simply gorgeous, and you wouldn’t believe how happy you’ve made me that you thought this was a good recipe because it’s warm down South. Ever since I knew I’d be hosting a challenge, I’ve worried about picking something that would feel right to make no matter which hemisphere one was in. And I’m really delighted that you found time to make it, both because the result is spectacular and because you obviously enjoyed it.
Peko-P said,
February 17, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
VERY beautiful photos, I am inspired!
Peko