Daring Bakers in December: French Yule Log
December 29, 2008 at 5:29 pm | Posted in cakes & tortes, daring bakers, groups, other sweet, sweet things | 41 Comments
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. Now, now…before you go thinking that we did that last December, let me assure you that this is a very different dessert altogether.
This yule log is a truly impressive, multi-layered affair. Almond dacquoise, chocolate-caramel ganache, praline feuilletine, and vanilla crème brulée…all nestled between layers of dark chocolate mousse, and capped off with a super-shiny glaze. Sounds lush, right? It certainly is. (The ganache layer, by the way– amazing!! Also the crispy feuilletine…I could have eaten the whole layer by itself, before it even made it into the log.)
This is kind of an investment in time and ingredients, but taken separately, each component is actually quite easy and quick to prepare. I spread my work over three days. On day one, I made the ganache, feuilletine and brulée layers. (I can see the feuilletine layer being a bit of a pain, but I had it easy, because I was able to purchase gavottes and praline paste through work.) On day two, I made the dacquoise and mousse and assembled the layers, leaving it to freeze overnight. On the last day, all that was left was to unmold and prepare the glaze. I used a standard loaf pan (lined with plastic wrap) to mold my log. The finished dessert is quite large…it’s probably about ten servings. And we will enjoy each and every one.
Sorry that I don’t have more (or better) pictures to share, but my apartment is like a cave with the low winter sun, or lack thereof! I have to take what I can get. Let me assure you that this dessert is as decadent as it sounds, so if you’re up for a challenge, visit Hilda’s post for the recipe.
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a whisk and a spoon 
BEYOND phenomenal, Steph!!
Comment by VeggieGirl— December 29, 2008 #
Your yule log is beautiful!
Comment by Bria— December 29, 2008 #
Yours is the most perfect looking I have seen so far! Absolutely scrumptious!!
Comment by Holly— December 29, 2008 #
Steph,
Wow … look at the definition on those layers! I like how you described it as an investment in ingredients! Happy New Year!
Comment by Ivonne— December 29, 2008 #
It looks gorgeous! Your layers are perfect. Mine is still in the deep freeze firming up.
Comment by Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy— December 29, 2008 #
Oh……….my……….gosh. That is a thing of beauty. It looks so perfect, and so delicious! I can’t remember what you wrote, because I was mesmerized by the photo. Unbelievable. *clapping*
Comment by Megan— December 29, 2008 #
Wow! Your log looks perfect. The layers look very distinct and I love the way you decorated it.
Comment by pinkstripes— December 29, 2008 #
Wow, your yule log looks just perfect! The more yummy pictures I see, the more I wish I’d been able to find time to make this one.
Comment by Di— December 29, 2008 #
Wow, it looks fantastic, apartment light and all. I am totally with you though – I hate how much apartment light limits photo-ops.
Comment by Caitlin— December 29, 2008 #
This looks perfect! I love the way your layers look.
Comment by Erin— December 30, 2008 #
Gosh! I was hopping some of my favorite bloggers were going to make the DBers yule log.
And here it is… in all its glory! Worth all the wait! Superb, Steph! BRAVO!
Comment by Vibi— December 30, 2008 #
Glad you liked it,
best wishes for 2009!
Ulrike from Küchenlatein
Comment by Ulrike— December 30, 2008 #
Your log looks just terrific!!! Happy New Year!
Comment by Gretchen Noelle— December 30, 2008 #
Steph, your log looks perfect. That ganache is just fabulous isn’t it? (I could have eaten it with a spoon, but didn’t, damn pregnancy hormones). I’m glad you enjoyed making this. Have a Happy New Year!
Comment by Hilda— December 30, 2008 #
Nicely done! Your layers look so perfect!
Comment by Laura Rebecca— December 30, 2008 #
Organization is most definitely something that made this recipe simple. Yours looks so wonderful.
Comment by rainbowbrown— December 30, 2008 #
Oh, Steph, you’re yule log is stunning!
Comment by Laura Rebecca— December 30, 2008 #
Perfect! Great job.
Comment by Gfron1— December 30, 2008 #
Those layers are pretty perfect
Comment by Spike— December 30, 2008 #
Wow, that is the most perfect layering I’ve seen yet! Kudos!
Comment by Ally— December 30, 2008 #
What a perfect Yule Log! Very elegant. That ganache was good straight from the spoon. Lovely!
Comment by Elle— December 30, 2008 #
Yum, this looks super delicious! 🙂
Comment by sara— December 31, 2008 #
Scrumptious, delicious, gorgeous! Well done again!
Comment by Tartelette— December 31, 2008 #
I love the way you set up the picture! Great job!!!
Comment by claire— December 31, 2008 #
So beautiful and such perfect and defined layers.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Comment by Aparna— December 31, 2008 #
Great Log Steph! I came by on the 28th, hoping to find the log but I’m glad I came back again! Have a Blessed New Year and all good things for 2009. with lots of love.
Comment by Dharm— December 31, 2008 #
Your layers look amazing!
Comment by Jenny— December 31, 2008 #
absolutely gorgeous looking yule log! well done!
wishing you a fantastic new year steph!
Comment by Meeta— December 31, 2008 #
Steph, how did you get those amazingly defined layers? Gorgeous looking log!
Comment by Baking Soda— December 31, 2008 #
Fantastic job on this challenge, all of you layers look so perfectly smooth and even!
Happy new year!
Comment by BitterSweet— December 31, 2008 #
Steph,
Your log is so pretty and the layers are absolutely perfect!
Happy New Year!
Comment by Breadchick Mary— December 31, 2008 #
What a beautiful cake!! The layers look perfect.
Apu
Comment by Apu— December 31, 2008 #
A lovely Yule Log. It is so perfectly formed. Great job as always.
Comment by Heather Peskin— December 31, 2008 #
Don’t you just feel like you should have a televised reveal for a dessert such as this? hehe Its beautiful and do you have any left? Sounds so delish. You should feel so accomplished. Wow
AmyRuth
Comment by Amy Ruth— January 1, 2009 #
Wow your layers are like perfection!! Excellent job.
Comment by Natalie— January 1, 2009 #
Its perfect, the layers look great.
Comment by Namratha— January 1, 2009 #
That is gorgeous. How, oh HOW, did you get the icing so smooth, and all the way to the bottom of the log? I am so impressed!
Comment by Madam Chow— January 1, 2009 #
Those layers look perfect! And I like the accoutrements on top!
Comment by liz2024— January 2, 2009 #
wow! Steph..that is perfect! The layers are so clean!
Comment by marye— January 3, 2009 #
How long did this take you to make seriously????? You have got to be kidding…this is some dessert…you are such a star!
Comment by Kayte— January 6, 2009 #
That looks fantastic Steph! Well done. You always inspire me with your wonderful words and photos. How are you? How is it being back home? Where are you, NY? I bet its cold! Heatwave over here in Australia – wow. I hope you’re well and settling in.
Comment by Sathya— January 6, 2009 #