Dessert Post: Pippa Middleton's Chocolate Yule Log

Christmas is over.... But there are the New Year's Celebrations to come Yeahhh !!
If you want to have fun in the kitchen while preparing new year's eve check out this recipe from Pippa Middleton's book "Celebrate"... yummy

                                                     

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs
-125g caster sugar
-80g self-raising flour
-2 tbsp cocoa powder
-200ml double cream
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-8 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional)

For the icing:
-120g unsalted butter
-160g icing sugar
-100g cocoa powder
-4 tbsp whole milk (if needed)
-chocolate shavings

Before you start:
-33cm / 23cm Swiss roll tin
- spatula
-baking parchment
-cake decorations

Recipe:
Preheat the oven to 190 c or 375 f or gas 5.
- Grease & line a 33cm/ 23cm Swiss roll tin.

-Separate 4 eggs
-Beat the egg whites with an electric whisk until stiff, then gradually add 50g caster sugar while whisking continuously.

-In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 75g caster sugar, add 80g self-raising flour & 2 tbsp cocoa powder, then fold in the egg whites.
-Pour the sponge mixture into the tin & use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, then bake for about 10mins, until the top is springy.
-Remove from the oven, place a damp tea towel over the top of the tray & set aside to cool.

-Whip 200ml double cream to stiff peaks, then add 1 tbsp of vanilla extract.
-Remove the cooled sponge from the tin & turn it upside down on a plate.
-Soak the sponge with 8 tbsp of cherry liqueur (optional) then turn it back over on to the baking parchment & spread the whipped cream on top. If not using the liqueur, simply spread the cream all over the sponge.

-Holding the baking parchment with the longer side towards you, tightly roll the sponge up.
-To make the icing, beat 120g softened, unsalted butter until smooth & then gradually beat in 160g icing sugar & 100g cocoa powder.
-If wanted, add another splash of cherry liqueur & mix well.
-If the icing needs thinning, gradually add 4tbsp whole milk, then spread it over the cake with a palette knife, making markings to resemble bark.

-Sift icing sugar over the cake, then decorate with chocolate shavings & cake decorations.

                                                                ENJOY !!