Tree trunk

Yule Log - A Delicious Chocolate Roll

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 40 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 10

The Yule Log is an elegant dessert, filled with decadent chocolate and the unmistakable aroma of rum, perfect for impressing guests or indulging during moments of relaxation. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a spectacular result. Let us guide you step by step on this flavorful culinary journey!

A Brief History
Chocolate rolls have been made for centuries, originating from pastry traditions around the world. Named "Yule Log" due to its appearance resembling a tree trunk, this cake has become a symbol of holidays and special moments. Each country has its unique version, but the basic ingredients remain constant: eggs, sugar, flour, and chocolate.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 3 fresh eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 70 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the ganache:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 350 g liquid cream
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)

Decoration:
- 100 g ground almonds
- A few whole almonds for decoration

Step by Step

Preparing the Sponge
1. Preliminary Preparation: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured.

2. Beating the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential for giving the sponge a light texture.

3. Adding Ingredients: Gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix lightly with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.

4. Baking the Sponge: Pour the mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the sponge is golden and elastic to the touch. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

5. Cooling the Sponge: Once out of the oven, place the sponge on a clean, damp towel. Moisten the sponge with the syrup obtained (details in the next section) to keep it moist and flavorful.

Preparing the Syrup
1. Boiling the Syrup: In a saucepan, place the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the syrup begins to boil, remove from heat and add the rum essence for extra flavor. Let it cool.

Preparing the Ganache
1. Heating the Cream: In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream over low heat. When it starts to boil, turn off the heat.

2. Melting the Chocolate: Add the grated dark and milk chocolate to the hot cream. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.

3. Cooling and Thickening: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then add the rum essence and mix well. Use a mixer to whip the cream until it becomes fluffy.

Assembling the Roll
1. Filling the Sponge: Gently unroll the sponge and spread more than half of the ganache evenly over its surface. Sprinkle the ground almonds over the entire surface.

2. Rolling the Sponge: Carefully roll the sponge, starting from one edge, ensuring the filling stays inside. Make sure the roll is tight, but not too tight to avoid breaking.

3. Trimming the Ends: Cut the ends of the roll diagonally to achieve a more aesthetic shape. Attach the cut ends to the sides of the roll to mimic a tree trunk.

4. Decorating the Roll: Spread the remaining cream over the entire roll and decorate with whole almonds, placing them at regular intervals. This detail not only enhances the appearance but also adds a crunchy texture.

5. Final Cooling: Place the roll in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to firm up and develop flavors. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Serving
After chilling, slice the roll and serve it on a platter. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, as well as with a glass of sweet wine or chocolate liqueur.

Practical Tips
- Choosing Chocolate: Opt for quality chocolate for a more intense flavor. Dark chocolate brings balance, while milk chocolate adds sweetness.
- Vegan Version: You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or banana puree as egg substitutes and vegan cream for the ganache.
- Buying Ingredients: Ensure that the ingredients are fresh, especially the eggs and cream, for the best results.
- Moistening the Sponge: Moist the sponge well with the syrup, but do not overdo it to avoid a too wet texture.

Nutritional Benefits
Although the Yule Log is a dessert, it contains ingredients that can offer benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and almonds add protein and healthy fats. This cake can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour can be used, but the texture will vary.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the ganache for a more complex taste.
- What can I do if I don’t have rum? You can replace rum with vanilla essence or another sweet liqueur.

Recommended Pairings
The Yule Log pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, as well as with a berry sauce for a sweet-sour contrast. You can also try serving it with a warm drink, such as a cappuccino or fruit tea.

The Yule Log is a recipe that brings joy to any table, and each slice will be a celebration of flavors. Feel free to put your personal touch on this recipe by experimenting with various flavors and ingredients. Cooking is about creativity and the pleasure of savoring the results!