Get ready for a holiday treat like no other! This yule log recipe is sure to delight your senses with its delicious aroma of roast chicken. Not only does it look festive and impressive, but it also tastes amazing. So, let’s get started with this fun and unique recipe that will have everyone talking about your holiday cooking skills!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberries, dried
- Roasted chicken for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Gradually add sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Gradually add flour mixture to egg yolk mixture, beating on low speed just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Immediately turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Roll up cake in the towel, starting from the short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll cake and spread whipped cream mixture evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with gingersnap cookies, walnuts, and cranberries. Roll up cake again, using towel to help roll. Place seam side down on a serving platter.
- Decorate the top of the cake with roasted chicken to create a festive yule log that smells like chicken.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 230mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment:
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Kitchen towel
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Wire rack
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy a slice of this delicious yule log with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Serve it as a dessert after your holiday meal or bring it to a festive gathering to impress your friends and family.
Variations:
If you’re not a fan of the chicken smell, you can use other decorations to make your yule log look festive. Try using sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or even marzipan mushrooms to create a woodland themed yule log. You can also experiment with different flavors of whipped cream or add your favorite fruits to the filling.
Substitutions:
- You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- If you don’t have gingersnap cookies, you can use graham crackers or gingerbread cookies instead.
- Instead of cranberries, you can use raisins or chopped apricots.
- If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate instead.
Storage:
Store any leftover yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and lemon colored.
- When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to avoid deflating them.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the yule log into slices for a clean cut.
Notes:
This recipe makes one large yule log that serves 10-12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the yule log ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the yule log up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the yule log?
- No, it’s not recommended to freeze the yule log as it may affect the texture and quality of the cake and whipped cream.
- Can I use a different type of meat for decoration?
- Yes, you can use any type of roasted meat for decoration, such as turkey, ham, or beef.
Personal Thoughts:
This yule log recipe is not only delicious but also a fun and unique twist on a classic holiday dessert. The chicken smell adds a playful and unexpected element to the presentation, making it a conversation starter at any holiday gathering. The combination of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and crunchy toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your creativity!
Summary:
This yule log recipe is a festive and fun twist on a classic holiday dessert. It features a delicious chocolate cake filled with spiced whipped cream and topped with gingersnap cookies, walnuts, cranberries, and roasted chicken for a unique and playful presentation. It’s easy to make and perfect for impressing your guests at any holiday gathering.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this yule log recipe for yourself and enjoy the delicious aroma of chicken during the holidays!