Find out why the Yule Log is one of the most popular sweet treats of Christmas, in our informative Food Fact blog

Are you having a Yule Log this year? If the answer is yes, this little food fact might be of some interest.

One of the favourite sweet treats of Christmas was first created in remembrance of an ancient tradition. Chocolate Yule Log represents the historical practice of collecting and burning a very large log in the hearth, through the Christmas season. This period was once known as Yuletide. The Yuletide festival is thought to be of Germanic origin, but widely observed in ancient times in countries of Christian religion. It was historically prevalent in the UK. Yule is an old English word taken from various translations from Germanic, Old Norse and Scandinavian language.

The Yule Log was specially chosen for its large proportions. So heavy it had to be dragged back to the house by several big strong men. There are many Christmas cards which depict the scene of a burly gang dragging home their log in the snow. Of course there was always snow. This is the stuff of tradition!

Cutting the log was a ceremony in itself – often with singing and merriment to accompany. Some historical reports say ale and cider were involved. Even the log got a dousing before being set alight. For good luck, don't you know? Burning the log through the Yuletide period was a symbol of midwinter and a celebration of the Winter Solstice, giving magical protection to the home and those who lived there.

These days, not many of us have a fireplace large enough to burn a very big log. But we can pay respect to the tradition with a Yule Log cake. A heavenly mix of light chocolate sponge, filled with chocolate cream and covered with a thick coating of chocolate buttercream icing, specially scrolled to resemble the patterns of tree bark, then often dusted with icing sugar for a snow effect. Holly with berries and even little robins are common decorations.

Edible Yule Logs are thought to be the invention of the French, where the cake is known as Buche de Noel. Our bakers will have their own versions of the Yule Log, along with other Christmas baking to tide you over Yuletide. Place your orders quickly to avoid disappointment. 

Photo Credit: http://meaningfulmama.com