Caramel-Orange Buche De Noel Part 1

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

-BUTTERCREAM
6 lg Egg yolks
1/3 c  Firmly packed dark brown
-sugar
2 tb All purpose flour
1 1/2 c  Half and half
8 oz Imported white chocolate
-(such as Lindt), chopped
1 1/2 ts Grated orange peel
-CAKE
1 1/2 c  Toasted sliced almonds
2 tb Unbleached all purpose
-flour
6 lg Eggs, separated
10 tb Firmly packed dark brown
-sugar
1 ts Grated orange peel
1/2 ts Vanilla extract
1/2 ts Cream of tartar
1/8 ts Salt
Powered sugar
1 c  (2 sticks) unsalted
-butter, room temperature
1 tb Grand Marnier or other
-orange liqueur
Pine twigs
Candied Cranberries (see
-recipe below) or fresh
-currants

The buche de Noel, or Christmas log, was created in the late
nineteenth century by Parisian pastry chefs, who were inspired by the
real logs that burned on hearths throughout the night on Christmas
Eve. Our version can be decorated with Candied Cranberries or fresh
currants. Enjoy with a glass of orange liqueur or Sauternes.

8 Servings

FOR BUTTERCREAM: Whisk egg yolks, sugar and flour in medium bowl to
blend well. Bring half and half to simmer in heavy medium saucepan.
Slowly whisk hot half and half into egg mixture. Return egg mixture
to same saucepan and cook until mixture boils and thickens, whisking
constantly. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Add chocolate and orange
peel and stir until mixture is smooth. Press plastic wrap onto
surface f pastry cream to prevent skin from orming. Cool completely.
(Pastry cream can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate. Bring to room
temperature before continuing.)

===contined====