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As Comic Book Guy would say… Worst. Xmas. Ever.
This buche de Noel is brought to you by three festive doses (in varying strengths) of the flu—proper flu, none of this “I have a bad cold, so I’ll call it flu” crap—two aggrieved prolapsed discs (me), food-allergy triggered blotchiness & swelling (Dave), and a distinct lack of appetite for anything (all of us). Even for dessert.
It probably goes without saying that I’m a little cranky, too.
At any rate, on to the challenge. 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
I was so excited about this month’s challenge. I babbled for days to Lorraine about it, and started it with such enthusiasm. And then the ‘flu hit. Now I have zero enthusiasm for the buche or indeed, any form of food. (I don’t feel any thinner yet, but I’m still hopeful.)
My chosen flavour combinations were a coconut dacquoise, white chocolate ganache insert, mango mousse, ginger creme brulee, and a gorgeously glossy (but very tempermental) white chocolate icing. I went all Blue Peter and created a mould out of an old plastic bottle, some cardboard and sticky tape. I’m really happy with how ithe shape turned out and I’d certainly make my own mould again rather than buy a tin that’s only going to be used once a year.
Oh, I should mention that I added some popping candy to the coconut crisp insert and it stayed nicely pop-py, which was quite cool. It was a shame that I didn’t like the taste of the rest of the layer. I suspect, that gavottes aren’t quite my thing and I should have just bought a box of Rice Krispies or asked around and begged some from a friend.
On the whole, I did like the buche, but I was by no means blown away or impressed. Which makes me really sad, considering how excited I was and also that I dragged myself through its creation when I should have been languishing in bed. But I would like to thank Hilda and Marion for giving us such a wonderful challenge to end 2008 with!
Sparkling royal icing snowflakes adorn the top of the buche.
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Look lovely!!
Apu
http://annarasaessenceoffood.blogspot.com/2008/12/piquant-sweet-lemon-chocolate-yule-log.html
Well, you had quite the dose of “fun” this month didn’t you? Hope all is better now. That log looks just delicious. Hope you enjoy it.
Ooh you did the royal icing snowflakes! They look AMAZING! Beautiful log seriously. I can’t believe the bad timing of your cold. I know you were really enthusiastic about doing this!
Happy 2009 to you Dave and Lucas! May it be free of killer flus!
happy new year angela. the buche looks fabulous!
This is so lovely- I think white chocolate was the way to go! I love your snowflake, too! Very whimsical.
I think your log looks quite pretty, personally. And the idea of using a plastic bottle for the mold is a great one!
Hope you’re feeling better now. I’ve found the only thing positive about the flu is the accompanying weightloss!!
A Happy New Year.
The flavors you chose sound great together and I love the little snowflakes!
The flavors of your log must have been wonderful and the little snowflakes decorations are adorable.
A wonderful log! Very well done!
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Rosa
Wow, ginger, coconut and white chocolate. You picked very nice flavors. What a great idea to use the plastic bottle, very clever. Great job on the challenge despite the odds.
I had to drop by your blog since you said such nice things to me in the DB forum. I appreciated that!
I am so sorry you had the flu.
Your log is very distinctive - it looks great. I hope you are feeling better.
Considering that you weren’t feeling well I think the job you did on your Yule log was more than outstanding. You are definitely a persistent Daring Baker!
Thank-you so much for your kind comments, everyone!
Love that snowflake & love the buche too. Pretty!