Sunday, December 28, 2008

So I've done something new... something that matters.

Of course... everything that matters is in here. As the end of the year rolls around, I look back and realize that it sure does seem like food matters a lot... But I've joined a group called Daring Bakers and each month, there is a recipe intended to challenge you and make you bake outside your normal box of comfort.
So without further interuption.... I bring you my first ever completed Daring Baker's 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.

That is my completed log... well... mostly. I had icing issues... And it all slid off of the "log" which looks suspiciously like a cake. LOL

My favorite layer by far was my crisp layer... I made it with melted sugar free dark chocolate, frosted flakes and crushed candy canes.


Oh my goodness this part was wonderful and even though I am trying... !! very hard... to follow an Atkins lifestyle, I would certainly blow a few carbs on frosted flakes so that I could make and eat this again.


So the "log" consisted of a thin spongy cake layer, a mousse layer, the crisp, a creme brulee layer and the icing.

I had issues with my creme brulee layer when I didn't put enough of it into the "mold" ie: pie plate... so when I unmolded it to put into the final product, it split up and was a very thin layer. Fortunately, I had more of the brulee that I had put into another bowl so I was able to fit that in for an even cover.





I made the cake as a chocolate cake, white chocolate peppermint mousse, a dark chocolate peppermint ganache, the peppermint crisp, chocolate creme brulee and chocolate icing.




It was quite yummy and a very worth while experience to attempt making this dessert.







My icing issues were solved with a very nice spray of whipped cream and crushed candy canes.







20 comments:

Gfron1 said...

I agree, that crisp layer was really great. It was much more fun to do than the 18 page recipe suggested :)

Anonymous said...

Bravo for completing your 1st challenge! Your idea of adding peppermint sounds wonderful, and would definitely make the "log" more festive for the holidays! Welcome and Happy Holidays!

Hilda said...

Great job on your first challenge! You are now a bonafide Daring Baker. I'm really glad you enjoyed making it. Happy New Year!

Sara said...

This looks beautiful! I like the different shape. Welcome to Daring Bakers!

Unknown said...

Great job on your first challenge! Sometimes I think that Daring bakers is about working with what you have and not what the recipe says. :-) Glad you enjoyed it!

raquel said...

Excellent first challenge! Congratulations on a fantastic job!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! My favorite part was the feuillete as well.

Jo said...

Great job on your challenge and I did mine as a cake version as well. I like the crispy layer too. Have a great new year.

Anonymous said...

I loved the crisp layer, and I had icing issues, too. The peppermint sounds like a great addition!

Laurie said...

Well done!

Mrs Ergül said...

nice cake and cool cake stand!

silverrock said...

Don't worry about the icing issues, I totally know where you're coming from. I didn't even have enough icing to cover my whole cake :( oh well, we try and we learn along the way. Way to go on this month's challenge!

Amy said...

Ah yes, whipped cream covers a multitude of issues! Wonderful job, welcome Daring Baker!

Ally said...

Whipped cream and peppermint, delicious! Great job!

Unknown said...

The addition of crushed peppermints to the crisp layer is so festive and a great idea. Welcome to the Daring Bakers!

Anonymous said...

Ok, LOVE the addition of peppermint and candy canes, AWESOME!!

Anonymous said...

Great first challenge!

Laura Rebecca said...

Ooh, I love that you added peppermint to your yule log. It's so festive -- and delicious! Congrats on completing your first challenge!

breadchick said...

Well done on your first completed challenge!

Jamie said...

Great job!!! The crisp layer was super yummy, my fam thought it tasted like a Nestle Crunch Bar. Happy New Year!!!