This months challenge was hosted by Ivonne and Lisa, and they chose the yule log. What?! a yule log...I thought to myself...First of all, just let me start with saying, that I was scared to death to even read the instructions. First, I thought, well, I will just bail out on this one, but then I wouldn't be a very Daring Baker then, would I. So, right on the dead line, I decided that I would have to at least attempt to make this,and I am so glad that I did.
First, I started with the mushrooms. I made these out of meringue and I wish that I would have had more time to play with the meringue and maybe make some cute little snowmen or something, but ok....the mushrooms look like mushrooms and I am happy with that.
Then, to tackle the genoise cake. This made me a little nervous, with having to heat the eggs, and them whip them....would I get it to the right consistency...why, yes I did! How excited I was. Ok, the cake is in the oven, now it is time for the buttercream...I was scared to get to this part because I had been reading other posts about curdling. Would this happen to me and what would I do if it did? Of course, go to my trusty Daring Baker friends. They always have answers or suggestions to help figure out anything. But, got to separating my eggs, add the sugar, heat, and then whip in all of the butter. no curdling so far....I decided to do a chocolate buttercream, because my husband and the kiddos, wouldn't like the coffee flavor, although I would love it....so, back to the buttercream...added some vanilla and cocoa, whipped a little longer, and viola....no curdling!! Can I just get an AMEN!!
Now, it is time to spread half of my buttercream onto my cake, and roll. What if it cracks? My husband asked me...well, if it does, it is nothing that a little buttercream can't cover, right? Well, I did get a few cracks in rolling, but for the most part it all stayed together. I am really glad that I did this challenge. The little "rocks" with my yule log are Chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. I will post this recipe in the next day or so.
I also wish everyone a safe Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year!!!
Wow those are some amazing mushrooms! I found these to be the most challenging and you nailed them!
ReplyDeleteNice looking mushrooms!Perfect!
ReplyDeleteGreat yule log and post. I almost felt like I was reading my own post. Almost!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!!!
How awesome! No curdling :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love that you decorated the log with the chocolate chip truffle. So delish!
Love it! Glad you decided to do it!
ReplyDeleteI thought those were ice cream cone :P
ReplyDeleteAmen Sistah!! hehehee
ReplyDeleteMine went really well too.. and I was just as scared. =)
Your log turned out beautifully! I'm glad you decided to try it too. :D
An excellent job!
xoxo
I know what you mean.I thanked God for every step acomplished because Lord knows I didnt want to start again.Happy Hoildays.
ReplyDeleteThey look like some tasty 'rocks' Your log looks great
ReplyDeleteIt's curving! How nice!
ReplyDeleteSimply great. Love the shrooms!
ReplyDeleteFrosting fixes so many little flaws...how I wish sometimes I could frost myself :)
ReplyDeleteJob well done.
Love the big mushrooms, well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, awesome mushrooms.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was apprehensive at first but was so pleased when it worked out. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Great log :O) it looks delicious !!
ReplyDeleteNice mushrooms! Love the rocks too :)
ReplyDeleteVery tasty looking yule log. Good job!
ReplyDeleteso pretty!! great job on the challenge...and have a fantastic holiday!
ReplyDeletecute ice-creamy mushrooms!
ReplyDeleteIs that a yule log or a speeding train? It has so much life in it I almost expect those mushrooms to start growing.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job, April! That looks like a lot of hard work.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays to you!
That's a lovely log you have there! Glad the buttercream worked perfect for you! Mine curdled but luckily, it could be salvaged.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you decided to join in on this one at the last minute... you did a GREAT job conquering your concerns around it. Happy holidays to you and your family, and best wishes for a happy healthy 2008!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it all worked out so nicely! Chocolate rocks, mmmm!
ReplyDeleteThat bûche de Noël looks absolutely yummy.
ReplyDeletePS. If your buttercream ever curdles, just increase the speed of your mixer and continue whipping for 3-5 mins until it becomes silky again. Works everytime for me.
Happy Holidays!
Julius from Occasional Baker
You did such a wonderful job!! I almost didn't do it, as well, but am glad that I did.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Your log looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
You did a wonderful job! I love how big and chocolatey the mushrooms turned out!
ReplyDeleteAw, your yule log is fantastic looking! And who cares about a few cracks when you have a lovely buttercream frosting to go over it anyway? :) Sweet!!! Great job.
ReplyDeletejen at use real butter
I am glad you tried the cake. Your mushrooms look great. Wendy
ReplyDeleteA yule log is a challenge! Having read your post I may just have the courage to try making one next year. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun log you have. Reading your process read like mine with some fixes. You were very smart to make the mushrooms first. I had wanted to put truffles on the plate, but ran out of steam for making them. Bien faites! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it to the Yule Log frenzy! (Sorry I'm a bit late getting to yours!)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great and very pro. I cant even imagine making something like this, so be proud, very proud:-)
ReplyDeleteX M
Nice job on the yule log- sorry it took me so long to come see it- i'm trying to catch up from the Hollies...
ReplyDeleteHave a happy 2008 baking!
xoxo
Gabi