I think I have started a new tradition. I was invited to bring dessert to a Christmas Eve dinner party. Remembering the yule log cakes that my mother made when I was young, I decided to make one. I'm grateful to the many resources we have at our fingertips on the internet. A quick google search for yule log cakes and meringue mushrooms gave me recipes, videos, and a lot of photos.
This cake looks really difficult to make but trust me it isn't hard at all, just a little time consuming.
The cake turned out more dense and spongy than I had expected. Everything was made from scratch and it tasted sweet but very good. There is nothing like homemade treats!
I was really impressed with how the meringue mushrooms turned out. These were surprisingly easy to pull off. They do take a full hour to bake on a low temperature.
The way the meringue cracked really added to the mushroom effect.
Kids big and small were impressed with the presentation. One young man who will be turning 8 years old In early January was so excited that he wants to have a cake like this for his birthday. I think I will make one for him -- he noted that he definitely wants it with the mushrooms. It was definitely worth the effort. I will be happy to make this again.
As I worked on mixing the ingredients whipping the eggs for the meringue mushrooms and cake batter, and blending the chocolate buttermilk frosting, I delighted in each step. It is amazing how ingredients come together and change their properties from frothy to creamy smooth, and forming stiff white peaks. It was very sensual. I love the idea of feeding others with cooking and baking. I was reminded of the movie Chocolat and listened to the soundtrack as I worked.
Did you ever see the movie "Babette's Feast?" I love how a magnificent meal can transform the heart and spirit.
After preparing my dessert I took a break and watched "Julie and Julia." Not only can I appreciate Julie's blogging experience but I really enjoyed the story of Julia Childs. Have you seen the movie? I love how Julia and her husband spend their lunch breaks when they lived in Paris {wink,wink}.
My Christmas eve was a delightful day of baking and celebrating. My friend's Pieter and Maureen pulled together a wonderful feast, as they always do.
What food traditions do you have for the holidays? Have you started any new ones this year?
Cheers!
{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva
