Getting To Know Yule Log Cakes, Mandatory Foods At Christmas In Europe

Yule Log Cake (Pexels/Katrin)

JAKARTA - One of the servings of food that must be available at Christmas, especially in European countries is the yule log cake. This cake is shaped like a roll cake given a brown color, so it resembles a wooden stick.

Launching from Jack and Beyond, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the word yule comes from the word Ancient Norse 'Jol', which refers to the festival of celebration of the new birth of the sun after winter. In many cultures of Northern Europe, yule wood is not a dessert, but a large wooden stick that is burned for heating in winter.

At the turn of winter into summer, Europeans usually hold a party to celebrate the days that will be longer. This activity was carried out when December arrived.

They will burn yule wood sticks, which are always decorated with holly, pine seeds or plants that clean the air. Anggur and salt are always used to mitigate the logs.

Burned wood trunk ash is considered a valuable treasure. This ash is said to have properties for treatment and to protect oneself from crime.

When Christianity emerged, the tradition continued even though it was only a small celebration. People still burned yule wood on Christmas Eve, and it was this furnace that inspired the making of the yule log cake.

The most significant transformation of the yule wood occurred in the 19th century in France, when it shifted from log literally to a festive dessert. Known as the Bamoche de NoENTul, or "Kue Yule Log," this dessert is an intelligent reinterpretation of ancient traditions.

French Pastry chefs take symbolic yule wood and turn it into rolled bolu cake, decorated with wood sticks. These cakes are usually coated with chocolate or ganache butter creams, and are often decorated with decorations such as meringue mushrooms, sweet berries, and powdered sugar to mimic snow.

The yule log cake quickly became a beloved Christmas treat across France and immediately spread to other parts of Europe. Over time, bakers introduced variations, experimenting with different flavors, fillings, and decorations.

Currently, yule logs come in a variety of flavors, from traditional chocolate and coffee to a more contemporary version with fruit, cream, or even castenye. However, nowadays people usually don't make this cake at home, but buy it at Christmas because it is considered more practical.