Here’s a bit about Barb’s novella in Yule Log Murder:
LOGGED ON by BARBARA ROSS
Realizing she can’t make a decent Bûche de Noël to save her life, Julia Snowden enlists the help of her eccentric neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge, in hopes of mastering the dessert for Christmas. With everyone in the old woman’s circle missing or deceased, however, it’s up to Julia to stop the deadly tidings before she’s the next Busman’s Harbor resident to meet a not-so-jolly fate.
Wickeds, have you ever eaten a Buche De Noel or attempted to make one?If not a Buche De Noel, what about a jelly roll? And if not a jelly roll what is the most complicated dessert you’ve made?
Edith: My son and I did try to make a Buche a few years ago. It was not a big success. It was too sweet for me, and definitely did not look like a log… But it was fun baking with Allan! Congratulations on the book, Barb. Can’t wait to read your novella.
Barb: Edith, you were brave to take this on. Julia’s first three attempts were so much worse.
Jessie: While I love food that looks like something fanciful I have never attempted a Buche de Noel. I am not really a fan of chocolate so it seems like a great deal of work for the pleasure it would provide me. I have made several jelly rolls and am always delighted by the apparent miracle of a cake that turns into a neat spiral. I also love its vintage feel and am always warmed by the memory of my maternal grandmother who talked me through the first one I made over the telephone.
Barb: Jessie, I love the picture I have in my head of your grandmother coaching you over the phone.
Sherry: I had a friend who made an excellent Buche de Noel, however I haven’t tried to make one. I have made several other cake rolls. One of my favorite is a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. When the ladies from Mystery Lovers Kitchen invited me to do a guest spot I created a Fluffernutter cake roll. It was yummy. Click here for a link to the recipe. And like Jessie, I love to see that spiral.
Barb: Sherry, I am coming to visit next time you make that pumpkin roll. It sounds delicious. I’m a little suspicious about the fluffernutter, though. As I disclosed yesterday, the whole Buche de Noel thing overwhelmed me. I made the whole thing more daunting for Julia by forcing her to use hand tools, no electric mixer, food processor, etc. I think I’ll stick to my cookies, mincemeat and occasional fruitcake. I loved writing about the recipes, though.
Julie: When I was in high school I made Buche de Noel. I don’t remember it being difficult which was either due to my youth, or the long lost recipe. A couple of years ago, inspired by The Great British Baking Show, my niece and I attempted to make one. Epic fail. My sponge tasted like chocolate eggs. The orange oil made the cream taste like perfume. Awful. I’m going to try again this year to redeem myself.
Readers: What is that special dessert you make for the holidays? The real showstopper.