The Taste Of Christmas

From Yule log to Galette des Rois, or King Cake, the French have their own traditional desserts for Christmas. Sample these and more this year

- Smita Tripathi

“LET THEM EAT CAKE.” Whether or not French queen Marie Antoinette uttered these unfortunate words is debatable, but it is sound advice nevertheless, especially during this time of the year. ’Tis the season, you see, and if ever you needed an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, it is now. With Christmas around the corner, bakeries and cake shops are full of plum cakes and Christmas puddings. But if you are looking for something different, try these traditional French cakes and desserts.

Bûche de Noël, or Yule log

The most traditional Christmas cake in France is the Yule log or bûche de Noël. A rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream, it is shaped and decorated with chocolate frosting or ganache to resemble a log of wood. The cake celebrates the end of winter. In pre-industrialised Europe, the Yule log was an actual piece of wood, which was burnt on the longest and coldest night of the year. It was believed that it vanquished the darkness.

The first-known Yule log recipe was published in 1895. “In recent centuries, that tradition was brought to the table, taking the shape of a rolled cake to be cut, as a lumberjack would cut a log,” says Chef Maxime Montay of Delhi-based French patisserie Monique. Monique’s menu offers two choices: Belgian-style dark chocolate and salted caramel, and Swiss-style blueberry and chestnut. You can place orders on their website 24 hours in advance.