Christmas 2023: our selection of extremely creative and delicious logs

Every Christmas, the log tantalizes the taste buds and dazzles the eyes of those with a sweet tooth. A tradition revered by many homes that dates back to Celtic times, when a log was placed in the fireplace on Christmas Eve; then the log was kept burning all night in the hope that it would bring good omens to the people. next year Happily for those with a sweet tooth, it wasn’t until the 19th century, with industrialization and the gradual disappearance of fireplaces, that the log turned into a butter-rolled log. From now on, to create a creation that will surprise and delight as many people as possible, great confectioners multiply their creativity tenfold and create creations that rise to the level of works of art. Proof by editorial choice.

In all ways

Every year, chefs redouble their efforts and creativity when it comes to Christmas log silhouettes. A lucky bet for Julien Álvarez, the head chef of Ladurée’s artistic creation, who signs one of the most amazing works of the season: atop a white chocolate structure that rises to the sky sits six desserts that must be tasted individually in combination. crunchy praline base, melting hazelnut cookie, buckwheat praline, and yuzu and mandarin caramel, amazing and refreshing. All set in a creamy mousse with blue Reunion vanilla.

The Fouquet’s brasserie also manages to stand out with a white chocolate creation that represents the facade of the iconic house on the Champs-Élysées and its 101 rooms. Inspired by the wooden toys of his childhood, Cheval Blanc pastry chef Maxime Frédéric, in turn, created a true work of art: a train with a 75% chocolate shell, from the workshop of roaster Nicolas Berger, where various nuances are hidden. .

However, in terms of realism, the first place on the podium was taken by the talented chef Narae Kim of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. A pastry chef who brings an artistic dimension to her work, the Korean-born chef is inspired by fine jewelry and creates brooches adorned with colorful jewels. A creation of incredible precision.

A treat for all palates

When it comes to flavors, some flavors take the top spot in terms of popularity, like the irreplaceable chocolate. To melt away chocoholics, pastry chef Jeffrey Cagnes creates a retro log consisting of a chocolate Genova shortbread cookie, crunchy praline and dark chocolate cream, all topped with creamy Nalamaka tonka cream, chocolate whipped ganache and finally. vanilla caramel.

Two-star chef Stéphanie Le Kellec also plays the chocolate card, creating a log alongside her loyal pastry chef Pierre Chirac to pay homage to the cacao pod. A creation composed of mucilage (a pod filling that has fruity flavors) and cream infused with cocoa nibs, a crunchy and soft cookie. Gourmet elements steeped in a delectable 60% Sierra Leone chocolate mousse from Maison Duplanteur, the chocolate maker bean bar Grasum.

Pistachio is also one of the most popular flavors among confectioners this year. France’s top worker Arnaud Lahrer pours it into his Marrakesh log, combining pistachio slivered daccouse topped with pistachio praline, sponge cake dipped in vanilla syrup, orange blossom-whipped ganache and a twist. . These multi-layered delicacies are filled with white chocolate and pistachio pieces.

It’s also part of one of our editorial favorites, Le Grand Control, a log from the Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant at the Palace of Versailles. Pastry chef Aymeric Pinard imagines a dessert honoring the gardens of Andre Lenotre’s Orangerie, featuring a layer of pistachio cookie layered with a crunchy praline layered with crushed pistachios and a creamy pistachio cream. A triple alliance with generous flavors and textures that will create consensus around the table. Whether it’s fruity, chocolate or spiced, there’s a log for every desire.