Name: Bûche de Noël
Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients: 1-1/4 cups cake flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 7 large eggs, separated; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 21 ounces bittersweet chocolate, such as Lindt; 1-1/2 cups crème fraîche or heavy, non ultra-pasteurized cream; 1/2 cup chestnut purée

This is a simple recipe for a wonderful bûche de Noël. The cake is a bit heartier than the typical genoise, which suits my taste, and the hint of cinnamon gives it an aromatic layer of flavor. You may change and adjust flavorings, drizzle the cake with a rum or a sugar syrup flavored with vanilla after it's cooled, or do any number of things to make it your own.

Recipe notes

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