It’s almost impossible to end a festive meal without the traditional Yule log, and this year it comes in all shapes and sizes. Looking for the perfect dessert to dazzle your guests at Christmas dinner ? Luxus + Magazine has selected some visually and tastefully delicious logs for you.
Christmas by the sea at the Shangri-La Paris
Maxence Barbot, pastry chef at the Shangri-La Paris, presents this year’s Triton log. A native of the Brittany coast, the chef pays direct homage to his homeland with this shell-shaped log. A truly graphic masterpiece.
Draped in shimmering dark chocolate and sprinkled with golden sparkles evoking a winter sunset, this Yule log reveals a refined texture and flavors. Its crisp chocolate and fleur de sel cookie hosts a Galand vanilla mousse and cream, accompanied by roasted pear marmalade with Christmas spices.
The design, in addition to evoking the Breton sea, is also reminiscent of a Christmas tree. On the palate, the balance of flavors is revealed : the lightness of the creamy vanilla mousse blends perfectly with the spicy sweetness of the Christmas-spiced pear marmalade.
The Triton log, priced at €128, is available in a limited edition. It can be picked up at La Bauhinia restaurant from December 9 until December 31. It will also be served in individual portions at La Bauhinia restaurant during Christmas dinner.
Le Cheval Blanc pulls its sleigh
Le Cheval Blanc Paris takes us on a journey through the “Traineau Enchanté”, a creation by Maxime Frédéric and his team. This log, combining chocolate and childhood memories, promises to make your festive table shine.
The sleigh evokes the ambiance of the Quai du Louvre hotel, thanks to its meticulous floral detailing, and its accompanying horse to fly off into enchanted dreams.
Composed of 75% dark chocolate, the interior of the sleigh hides its share of surprises : a vanilla rice pudding entremets, covered with an almond ganache, embellished with mandarin confit and orange caramel. Underneath this chocolate sculpture, we find a filled bar, both crunchy and light, evoking snow under a winter sky.
Available from December 20 to 25, this limited-edition Yule log is priced at €220 for 5/6 people.
The holly leaf at George V Paris
For this festive season, chef Michael Bartocetti unveils a new Yule log of great graphic elegance. Come to the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris to discover this delicately curved gourmet creation, inspired by a holly leaf, and flavored with chocolate, vanilla, pear and bergamot.
A traditional symbol of Christmas celebrations, the log’s holly shape offers a design at the cutting edge of refinement. Its silky chocolate exterior is decorated with sugar crystals evoking the scarlet berries of the holly tree, lending a festive, elegant touch that is once again reminiscent of the festive world.
This log also combines a crunchy puffed rice and gianduja with milk chocolate chips, accompanied by a melting cocoa cookie, offering a contrast that is both crunchy and creamy. At the heart, tapioca milk scented with Tahitian vanilla blends with pear confit with bergamot zest, bringing a light, fruity freshness. The whole is wrapped in a milk and dark chocolate mousse, subtly enhanced by a touch of lemongrass.
All in all, a creation sure to dazzle chocolate, vanilla and pear lovers. Already available for pre-order, it can be picked up at the George V Hotel until the end of the New Year festivities. Price: 135 euros for 8 people.
Le Ritz Paris : Santa Claus on your plate
Le Ritz Paris Le Comptoir and its pastry chef François Perret present a Bûche Père Noël. Among a range of festive creations, this masterpiece reinvents the traditional shape of the log by transforming Santa’s beard into a fluffy madeleine : a tribute to the Ritz’s emblematic pastry.
This dessert combines a coconut cookie delicately scented with four spices, an airy coconut mousse, and a mango and lime compote embellished with pieces of fresh coconut.
This festively cozy signature log is available at €20 a piece.
For those with a sweet tooth, however, you can always opt for the full dessert package : a few logs in the shape of interlaced madeleines, gingerbread filled with orange marmalade, or vanilla caviar with a melting heart and white chocolate icing enhanced with gold leaf.
Lutetia Paris : a symphony of festive rhythms
A culinary treasure trove created by chef Nicolas Guercio for the Hotel Lutetia. The musical “Flocon” log takes on all the codes of Christmas and childhood.
A six-pointed star and an audacious version of Mont-Blanc, it dazzles the eyes as much as the taste buds. What more could you ask for ? The chef’s fantasies don’t stop there: inside this flake is nothing less than a music box.
With a simple turn of the crank, the white chocolate and pearlescent candy flakes begin to spin, diffusing glittering sparkles like a moving snow globe.
Beneath the first layer of snow (actually white chocolate) lies a base of sweet dough, followed by a soft chestnut cookie and a creamy chestnut cream, enhanced by a blackcurrant confit lightly spiced with Timut pepper. The whole is wrapped in a light chestnut mousse, topped with puffed meringue and covered with white chocolate, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
The limited-edition “Flocon” log, available by reservation only, will delight 6 to 8 people, and costs 145 euros.
Read also : New York reintroduces its vintage train for the festive season
Featured photo: © The Ritz Paris
