December 21st-25th
The longest Night
In Ancient Druidic traditions the winter solstice is a time of death and rebirth. When nature's powers and our own are renewed.
Yule Altar- Honors the return of the sun. Candles symbolize the sun. Pinecones, evergreen, cedar, wreaths and a yule log represent winter. Cleanse your yule altar with sage.
Evergreen Wreath- Pine, Fir, Juniper and Cedar. Represents protection and prosperity.
Yule Tree- Ornaments symbolize the sun, the moon and the stars. They represent remembrances of loved ones. The evergreen tree represents the cyclical nature of life growth and rebirth.
Buche de Noel
Yule Log Cake
A French Christmas tradition from the 19th century. The cake looks like a yule log covered in snow and mistletoe. The burning of the Yule log was a pagan custom to usher in the new year and bring luck to the village.
Cake
cooking spray
6 eggs, separated
1/2cup Flour
1/4cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4cup granulated sugar
1/4tsp Kosher salt
powdered sugar
Filling
11/4cup heavy cream
1/4cup powdered sugar
2tsp gelatin
1tsp vanilla extract
Frosting & Decorating
1 Stick of butter softened
11/2cup powdered sugar
5tbsp cocoa powder
1tsp vanilla extract
3tbsp heavy cream
Kosher salt
Rosemary
Cherries
Chocolate shavings
Pre-heat oven to 350
Line pan with parchment paper (jelly roll pan) and grease with cooking spray.
Mix together flour, cocoa powder and salt. Beat egg yolks until thick. Slowly add 1/2cup sugar and beat until pale. Add flour mixture.
In another bowl beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add 1/2cup sugar until stiff peaks form. FOld egg whites into batter in 2 batches.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread until even layer. Bake until top layer springs back when lightly pressed. (12mins)
Invert warm cake onto towel and peel off parchment paper.
Tightly roll into a log and let cool completely.
Make Filling.
Beat together heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, gelatin and a pinch of salt until medium peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
When cake is cool unroll and spread filling evenly over cake. Roll cake back into a log, using towel to create a tight roll. Place seam side down on a baking sheet and refrigerate until well chilled. (1 hour)
Make frosting.
Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder and beat until no lumps remain. Then add vanilla, heavy cream and salt.
Frost Cake.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar and chocolate shavings. Place cherries and rosemary on log to create mistletoe. Celebrate the sweetness of rebirth and new beginnings!
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