12 Tips to the New Year
 
 
 
TIP 12: You Are Never Alone

Holiday Finale Desserts: Yule Log & Chocolate Truffles

A sweet celebration of your journey.

Every holiday meal deserves a grand finale. The Yule Log and decadent chocolate truffles are more than dessert — they symbolize reflection, achievement, and the joy of celebrating milestones. Just as your journey is marked by progress and growth, these treats honor the sweetness of your successes.

 

Classic Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 large eggs, separated

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 cup whipped cream (for filling)

  • ½ cup chocolate ganache (for frosting)

  • Optional: powdered sugar or berries for decoration

 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

  2. Beat egg yolks with half the sugar until pale. Stir in vanilla.

  3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.

  4. Fold egg whites into yolk mixture gently. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt, folding until just combined.

  5. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 10–12 minutes. Cool slightly.

  6. Roll the cake in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, then unroll and fill with whipped cream. Re-roll and frost with chocolate ganache. Decorate as desired.

Decadent Chocolate Truffles

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for coating

 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2–3 minutes.

  2. Stir until smooth and add vanilla extract. Chill 1–2 hours until firm.

  3. Scoop small portions and roll into balls. Roll in cocoa, nuts, or coconut. Chill until serving.

Mindful Moment

As you slice the Yule Log or roll the truffles, take a moment to savor the journey — the preparation, the patience, and the care that brought you here. Each bite is a celebration, a reward, and a reminder of the sweetness that comes from mindful effort and joyful progress.

 

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