Dark Chocolate Bûche de Noël
A traditional holiday recipe, this popular Yule log is a cinch to make in stages, ready to assemble the day before serving.
A traditional holiday recipe, this popular Yule log is a cinch to make in stages, ready to assemble the day before serving.
Wow your guests with this winner of a pumpkin pie made all the more special by its decorative border. Use three-quarters of the pastry to make the checkerboard border and use the rest to make jam-filled tarts with the kids. Or use the extra pastry to make the braided or leaf border variation. Top slices with the maple-spiked whipped cream topping.
Rich duck and pork sealed in golden flaky pastry makes an over-the-moon creation. Serve small slices with Dijon mustard and pickles as an appetizer or as part of a buffet. Serve large slices with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad as a plated appetizer. While it may be a bit more involved than other pâtés, this dish is well worth the effort.
This twist on strawberry shortcake uses sweetened mini versions of bannock, a traditional aboriginal bread, in place of the usual biscuits. The maple-kissed toffee sauce adds an extra Canadian touch.
This cake will be a hole in one with any golf enthusiast. The Wilton golfer and flag are available at many craft and cake decorating stores.
Look for white chocolate cigars at specialty chocolate shops, baking supply stores or online. Once you've tracked them down, measure their diameter and calculate how many you need to cover 38-inch (97 cm) and 26-inch (66 cm) round cakes. Of course, you'll want to have extras for any repair work. You will need double-sided tape to fasten the ribbons around the cakes, and twine to tie wildflowers in a delicate bundle.
