Daring Bakers: Yule be impressed


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. Take a jump over to either of their sites for the original recipe. But be warned. It is looooooooooong.

This log is very different from the Yule Log we made last December, but no less a show-stopper in appearance.

And unlike last year, I did not make this several times. Actually, I have only just finished making it today, and my piece is sitting at the table while I write this post.

Rather than write a long and detailed post about the various components of this cake, I'll let some of my pictures do most of the talking for me.

I had to make my own praline, having not thought to buy some. This is almond praline.

(I should add that I did not even bat an eyelash at the idea of making a praline, which goes to show how far I've come when it comes to hot sugar.)


Assembly station. I'm still working on the best place for light and pictures in my kitchen. This is my baking corner, but does not seem to be great for light.


I decided to make two mini's instead of one large. I think I should have smoothed down the mousse on this - or followed the instructions and banged the tins on the counter a few times. You are about to see why....


Hmmm how to cover up those lovely sides. One batch of icing is not going to be enough.


Ah, left over praline!


Leftover ganache and praline crisp insert! You have saved me from ugly logs. Sorta.


I had enough cake for a top and a bottom, so my layers, from the bottom up, are:

Dacquoise biscuit - simply almond.
White chocolate ganache, which looks like caramel and tastes pretty close to it.
Vanilla mousse, with very obvious vanilla beans in it.
Milk chocolate praline crisp - almond praline and cereal.
More mousse.
Vanilla creme brulee, again, lots of vanilla beans there.
More mousse.
Another layer of Dacquoise.
Milk chocolate icing. A double batch actually.

Yes, it is impressive to look at.

I'm getting this in right under the wire. Lots of things delayed me, including the flu on Christmas day, but am pleased to say that I did not miss this month's challenge.

Now I really, really hope we do something a little less time consuming and sweet next month.

Thanks to Hilda and Marion for hosting this month. And ongoing thanks to Lis and Ivonne for being our leaders and letting us be their followers.

20 comments:

Megan said...

I would love to be impressed with your wonderful photography, however your pictures aren't loading. I'll try again in a bit. Blogger's been running slow all day for me.

Sorry to hear that you were sick on Christmas. What a bummer!

Got any big plans for New Years? We sure don't!

Peabody said...

Mmm, look at all that wonderful praline. Job well done.

steph- whisk/spoon said...

thank goodness for extra praline! your minis look cute (and proably more managable than the ginormous log in my freezer right now). great challenge, and happy new year!

Meeta K. Wolff said...

oh that looks good. I love the praline topping!

Canadian Baker said...

One of the yummiest logs I've seen for this challenge!

Hilda said...

I actually love your decoration, it's very rustic and delicious looking. I bet it tasted something like vanilla heath bar with all the vanilla and caramel, yummy. I'm sorry you were sick at Christmas, but kudos for getting it done in time and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

creampuff said...

I'll take a bite out of that anyday! Look at you being all impressive in the kitchen! Happy New Year!

Karen Baking Soda said...

Haha, it's so true, we're not intimidated so quick anymore, love your praliné! And I do like the cushioning light layers of mousse, it's so striking against the dark outside!

Unknown said...

WOw! That look so good! I almost did the mini bread pans, too but decided to do the big version. The toffee on the sides is just PERFECT!

Anonymous said...

Oh, such cute little mini logs! I love that you got two out of one recipe this way, and they both look great. :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Your "minis" are HUGE! And they're looking pretty tasty, too. Yet another of my heroes for getting this challenge done. Happy New Year, Jenny!

breadchick said...

Those ARE impressive!!

I'm with you on hoping that next month is a savory challenge. My teeth actually hurt from the sweetness of this month.

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Out a site with that praline girl!
I'm am impressed. Your new kitchen is rocking for sure Jenny.
Happy New Year!

Lot-O-Choc said...

Mmmm looks tasty!! yay for extra praline!!!

Anonymous said...

Looks so yummy!!!

BC said...

Happy New Year!

Yum, they look delicious!

I love praline, but didn't make some. However, now I have a hankering for it.

chef_d said...

Nice praline topping!

Camille said...

I like your photos of the process. Your layers look fantastic...delicious!

My wishes for a very happy new year!

Elle said...

two gorgeous Yule Logs and a clever cover up for the sides. Aren't you glad that you have been a DB so long that praline making is now a breeze? Beautiful!

Helene said...

Well done! Looks beautiful!