Name: Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 7 eggs, separated; 80 g all-purpose flour; 30 g cocoa powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 150 g granulated sugar; 300 mL cold cream; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 8 tbsp room temperature butter; 48 g cocoa powder; 340 g confectioner's sugar; 2-3 tbsp cream; 6 tbsp extra fine sugar; 2 egg whites; 0.125 tsp cream of tartar; 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate; Fresh rosemary; Fresh cranberries; Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

20 steps

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a half baking sheet with parchment paper.
Separate seven eggs into yolks and whites.
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
In a mixer, beat egg yolks on medium until doubled in volume and velvety.
Add 150 g sugar to yolks and beat for about 2 minutes until lemony in color.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with 0.125 tsp cream of tartar on medium-high until frothy.
Gradually add 50 g sugar to egg whites and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Gently fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture on low speed.
Fold in the meringue in three batches, carefully combining without deflating.
Transfer batter to prepared baking sheet and smooth into a thin layer with an offset spatula.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the center springs back when touched.
While baking, prepare meringue mushrooms by piping stems and caps on parchment, then bake at 200°F for 2 hours.
Lay a smooth kitchen towel on a flat surface, dust with powdered sugar, and dust the baked cake with powdered sugar.
Carefully flip the cake onto the towel, peel off parchment, and roll the cake tightly from the long side.
Cool rolled cake for at least 1 hour.
Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread with whipped cream filling, then re-roll.
Prepare chocolate frosting by mixing softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and cream until smooth.
Unroll the cake again, spread with frosting, then re-roll and trim the edges.
Decorate the log with chocolate-dipped mushroom caps, sugared cranberries, rosemary, and additional mushrooms.
Pipe or arrange decorations as desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar for snow effect.