This month the Daring Bakers’ (headed by Lis at La Mia Cucina and Ivonne at Cream Puffs in Venice) are baking up a whole forest of delightful Yule Logs- also known as Buche de Noel. Most of their delights were posted on the 22nd or 23rd of December, with the two-day flexibility given for scheduling during this hectic month, check all of the beautiful logs out here. Unfortunately I was unable to make mine until the 25th and could not post about it until today. So those lovely DBs have given me a little ”lateness latitude” in the spirit of the season.
Once upon a time I vowed that I would never make another Buche de Noel. This was after making several hundred of them in the span of two weeks as a baker for a small patisserie. It was only the fabulous community of Daring Bakers that could induce me to make another. – I must admit, though, that it was fun to make one again. I guess I must have recovered by now. 
You can see the challenge recipe on Ivonne’s blog so I won’t list it here.
I decided to make a chocolate cake and buttercream since I like the darker look-so I added 2 oz of melted chocolate to the cake and 4 oz to the butter cream. For the filling I used 8oz of cream cheese whipped with a 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of vanilla to make a “no bake” cheesecake filling. I spread a jar of Morello cherry preserves over the cake and then the well-chilled cream cheese mixture before rolling it up.
Then I had fun “tarting it up” with different fungi and forest decorations. I made meringue Button Mushrooms and a red Toadstool and then used Marzipan for some Chanterelles, a scale Lichen and a Morel mushroom. (I know they are not realistic to be growing there all together in the season but I was having fun) The acorns are modeled from caramels with tootsie roll caps. The holly was made from lime leaves from my front porch that I trimmed in a holly shape and then added red cinnamon candies for the berries. White chocolate for the “Joyeux Noel” and some powdered sugar for a sprinkling of snow were added right before serving.
One of the old legends of Yule is that the Holly King and the Oak King battle for control of the light as we reach the longest night of the year on the Winter Solstice of December 21st. The Oak King wins control and the light begins to gain strength for a return to longer days. I think it’s a nice legend for those cold dark days of winter- to add a log to burn brightly against the night. I hope this Yule log fills you with cheer and the spirit of Joy and Peace. Many wishes for a bright new year to you all.
xoxo
I’m glad you found the chance to share the results of your challenge Gabi. I can’t believe what you’ve done with lime leaves!?! Gorgeous! I’m also curious to try your no-bake cheesecake filling. Yum!
I hope your holidays are filled with joy and peace, and that 2008 brings health and happiness, laughter and love.
Beautiful job! I still get excited to make them during the holidays but I am happy comes New Year’s Day and the season is over with! Glad you were able to join th challenge!
Your log looks great! And I loved the explanation of the legend. It’s nice to get a bit of folklore along with the recipe!
Jane of Vegan Bits
http://veganbits.com/
The acorns are very cute.
Nice work, it’s lovely. I love the acorns!
Happy holidays
I really like your decorations, very thoughtful! And I think this was the first to see writing on one, I liked that touch! The dark frosting made that stand out! Great job! Hope all enjoyed it!
Wow! You’re an awesome decorator! I especially adore your acorns
Like you, I also did a chocolate buttercream instead for a darker look. Your log looks delicious!
well done on your december challenge!! love your photos the buche de noel really look good!! happy holidays!!
dhanggit
http://dhanggitskitchen.blogspot.com
Your filling sounds wonderful! Great job on this challenge!
Your husband gave me a bouche de Noel once but yours looks much better. His was stringy and kind of woody tasting. Yours looks fabulous. Another great job!
Bonne Année
Uh…….it’s buche de Noel. Your husbands mouth has nothing to do with this.
Even the spell check didn’t help me this time.
Your log looks great! Happy New Year to you
http://findingladolcevita.blogspot.com
Wow cheesecake filling.. that’s a great idea
I’m sure it was wonderful and everyone enjoyed it till the last bite. 
Very nice, Gabi! And you’re a professional at this challenge!
Nice work!
Your log looks great. I love all the decorations! A cream cheese filling is very daring – how did it pair with the genoise? Tasty I am certain. Wendy
Wow, such a great job decorating your yule log! Love the acorns
It sounds lovely. Happy new year!
Dolores- Thanks so much and Happy New Year to you xoxo
Helene- Hope you are getting baking break now- Bonne Annee
Jane- Thanks glad you enjoyed the legend! Happy New Year!
Peabody- Thanks and bes wished for the new year in your new digs!
Amy- Thanks! Happy new Year!
Gretchen Noelle- Thanks I had fun with the decos! Happy New year !
Maria- Thanks what a nice compliment! Happy New Year!
Dhangghit- Thanks a bunch! Happy New Year!
Deborah- Thanks! Happy New Year!
Jeff- Thanks – I wish we could have shared it in person- maybe next year and we’ll bring a real yule log by Rick to burn too! Love ya! Bonne Annee!
Maryann- Thanks my friend! Happy New Year!
Coco- Thanks looking forward to more DB adventure this year- Happy New Year!
Glenna- Thanks- Happy New Year!
Jenny – Thanks and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Wendy- Thank you! the cheesecake filling was good with the chocolate and cherry preserves- it kind of made a Black Forest Yule Log!
Jen Yu- Thanks so much- many wishes for an adventurous and hppy new year to you!
What fantastic decorations. I love the dark chocolate of the icing.
BC – Thanks! I like the deeper color than the coffee buttercream produced too.
Happy 2008!