La Bûche de Noël  (Christmas Log)

Buche de Noel is one of many traditional cakes baked at Christmas.  As the name suggests, it is of French origin.  The name of this recipe literally translates as “Christmas log,” referring to the traditional Yule log burned centuries past.

A French Christmas without a Bûche de Noël is not a real Christmas!

The log refers to the wood log burning in the hearth of the homes in Europe during the winter pagan festivities and was later fully included in the Christmas tradition. It was a celebration of the fire, so vital during those cold winter months. On Christmas Eve, a big log of hard wood would be brought back to the home with ceremony, would be placed into the fireplace and sprinkled with oil, salt and mulled wine while prayers were said. The log was then lit with firebrands from the previous year’s log. The log’s ashes were said to protect the home from the evil and thunderbolt. This tradition goes back the 12th century and could be found in most European countries, including France and Italy, up to the end of the 19th.  The tradition died out when fireplaces were replaced with cast iron stoves, and smaller logs were then placed on the tables at Christmas as decorations. 

            In India at Baker Street, Puducherry, we make traditional French Bûche de Noel (Christmas Log) which is renowned in France.  As for contemporary, we are bringing excessively many varieties in Bûche made with Dark Chocolates, Milk Chocolates, Mousse Chocolates, Glaceés, Fruits, Almonds, Sugar, Vanilla flavor, etc.  

      Enjoy this year Christmas Eve with our Baker Street Buche …. Give your taste a treat!!!