A: Hello and welcome to VOV 24/7’s Food Delight. We’re A and B. And we’re so excited to share with you some cooking tips on today’s program.

B: Hello, you guys. Hello, A. Christmas is just around the corner. It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying the summe, and now another year is almost over. 

A: Yep.  Another year has come and gone and the Christmas holiday will soon be upon us. Will you be doing anything for the occasion? Have your started your shopping yet?

B: Uhm. Yesterday I went shopping at the mall for Christmas presents for my family, relatives, and friends. And you know what? I purchased a hat for my daddy, a high-fashion scarf for my mummy, a bunch of gifts for my loved ones, and of course, a new sweater for myself. Look! It is so beautiful that I wish I could wear it all the time.

A: Oh, I see. A beautiful sweater with a reindeer pattern and several snow-flakes on it. But, I'm a little sad that you didn't get me even a small gift. I wanna cry, dear. 

B: Come on, A. You know that finding the right gift for a loved one can be tricky, especially someone as special as you. So, instead of buying you a gift, I baked you a Yule log cake. Tada. A super sweet Christmas treat, just for you. 

A: Oh, my god. I love this cake so much. It is so heart-warming, dear. This cake is a holiday tradition made only at Christmas time, right?

B: Exactly. “Bûche de noel” or Yule Log cake is a French holiday favorite, inspired by the giant Yule log that was traditionally burned on Christmas Eve. It was believed that the burnt wood would protect the home against evil spirits. As time went by, the logs evolved into decorative centerpieces on dining room tables and eventually took the form of a delicious cake.

Mrs. Ngoc Ha- the owner of Ha Anh bakery, who has many years of experience baking cakes, will teach us how to make Yule Log cake (Source: Mrs. Ngoc Ha's official FB)

A: No-one could resist this wonderful, delicious-looking cake. 

B: Hah. This impressive, festive cake is made without any fancy decorating skills. Between a few tips and a little creativity in the decoration, you will look like a master chef to your family and friends. And I have some good news for you. Today we invited Mrs. Ngoc Ha, the owner of Ha Anh bakery, to the studio. Mrs. Ha, who has many years of experience baking cakes, will teach us how to make this traditional cake. “The Yule log cake uses a sponge cake-based recipe, with just basic ingredients like eggs, sugar, milk, and flour.  It’s baked in a flat pan then rolled into a cylinder shape, filled with butter cream or whipped cream, and frosted with a thin layer of ganache. The filling helps keep the sponge tender and the frosting seals in the moisture, so the Yule log stays fresh and doesn’t dry out.”

“Bûche de noel” or Yule Log cake is a French holiday favorite, inspired by the giant Yule log that was traditionally burned on Christmas Eve (Source: Pinterest)

A: I know that people often cut an angled slice off the end and place it on the side of the cake to mimic the look of a branch before frosting with the ganache. But I have a small question. When I roll the cake to make the log shape, I feel like it’s very easy to break it So, what should I do, A?

B: The trick to preventing a crack in a Yule log cake is to roll the cake while it’s still slightly warm, because the more your cake cools, the harder to roll it without crackingor breaking it.  

A: I still don’t know how to decorate the cake. Maybe Mrs. Ngoc Ha has an answer.“There are many ways to dress up a Yule log cake. You can use the tines of a fork to trace irregular zigzag lines in the frosting to give it a woody effect, then feel free to decorate the cake just the way you want. You can sprinkle the cake with chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, and beautify it with decorations like a sugar-coated Santa Clause, pine trees, or a Christmas biscuit house.”

Christmas is about getting together and creating good memories. The best part is sitting down to enjoy the flavor of a Yule Log Cake with its smooth, creamy filling (Source: Pinterest)

A: Oh. I love the tip about using a fork to create a tree-bark look.  I think the most fun part is the decoration. Other cake decorations could include fake tree branches, fresh berries, and mushrooms made of meringue. Absolutely fantastic!. 

 B: But remember not to sprinkle the shredded sugar or cocoa dust too soon because it will melt into the frosting. Of course, if you really don't have the time to bake your own cake, you can always cheat and buy a plain cake to decorate yourself. 

A: Goodness me B. Christmas is about getting together and creating good memories. The best part is sitting down to enjoy the flavor of a Yule Log Cake with its smooth, creamy filling. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy one of the best desserts you’ve ever had this Chistmas. For now, good bye. Join us again next time on VOV24/7’s Food Delight.