My Branch of Buche de Noel

Oh, the Yule Log, it’s already been almost a month since I baked that Buche de Noel. My mother asked for something ganache, something rich chocolate for Christmas. I poured near four days and two sleepless nights up to Christmas Eve preparing this decadence. I don’t regret it. I discovered artistry I didn’t expect, and pride. For the first time in my life, I understand why it’s a religious sin to indulge.

Not just this cake, above and beyond anything my mother ever intended. I remembered something my grandmother would make and my mother loved: chocolate truffles.

And Then There was Bread Pudding

Nobody asked, but here’s my deal with bread pudding: I’ve had it at restaurants, curious impulse, no idea what goes in it, it’s sweet, cake-like, perfectly good dessert. I’ve watched the GBBO for a couple years now, and the defining of “pudding” remains a bafflement.