Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Gluten-free Yule Log + book #giveaway from author @DarylWoodGerber





From Daryl aka Avery

It's Christmas week and I've got a present to give away. See below! Keep reading.

There are times in our lives when we have to do the difficult. See people we don't want to see. Go places we don't want to go.

And make really arduous desserts that take lots of steps.

But they're worth it.

For years, we've had a tradition to enjoy a yule log for dessert on Christmas night. I bought it at a store called Gelson's. Their bakery makes the most exquisite, decadent yule log. How could I resist buying it? But then I moved away from Los Angeles, and there were no yule logs to be found in my new states, and I had to start to eat gluten-free, so I let the tradition slide. I made glulten-free cookies. I served a variety of pies and cheesecakes and even flourless chocolate cake.

Flash forward to the present. I'm back living in Los Angeles again, and last year, my son wanted a yule log. How could I say no? Except this time, I decided I was going to make it so I could eat it. I found a recipe on Pamela's website (gluten-free supplies) and thought, hmmm, I can do this. How hard can it be?

Well, it's not easy, but it was so worth it!

If you lose a tradition because it just requires too many steps, but then you pick it up again, I hope you reap the same kind of results I did.  It was worth it.

YULE LOG
Gluten-free
Tweaked from Pamela’s Gluten-free Website

(serves 8-12)



Ingredients:


Chocolate Jellyroll

3.5 ounces dark semi-sweet chocolate, melted, cooled to lukewarm
4 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
(*up to 1/2 cup boiling water)
1 teaspoon vanilla or vanillin
3/4 cup Pamela’s gluten-free Bread mix
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg whites
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Whipped Cream Filling
1 pint heavy whipping cream
3 teaspoons sugar

Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ounce espresso
4 tablespoons cream
dash salt


Directions:

Chocolate Jelly Roll

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make sure rack is in the middle of the oven. Grease and line a jellyroll pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat yolks, add sugar and vanilla to mix. Add cooled chocolate.



In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg and chocolate mixture and stir. Add up to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a stiff batter.



In another bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks. Add a large spoonful of the whipped whites to the batter to lighten before lightly folding in the remaining egg whites.





Spread the batter on the parchment paper in the jellyroll pan, making sure you get the batter all the way to the corners.

Bake 13-15 minutes.

Remove cake from the oven and loosen the corners right way with a spatula. Let the cake rest for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar. Place a clean (thin) kitchen towel over the cake and carefully flip out of the pan onto the towel on the counter. Carefully remove the parchment paper.  Starting with a short end, roll the cake AND towel together. Wrap and chill for about 1 hour.







Whipped Cream Filling

Whip cream in a deep bowl. As the cream starts to hold its shape in soft peaks, add the sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time. Beat until thick. Stop before it becomes BUTTER!  About 3-4 minutes.

Unroll the cake on a clean surface. Spread the cream to the edges leaving 1-inch of space on the outer end where the cake will come together. Roll the cake back up, without the towel this time. Just cake and cream. J  Where the cake joins together, place this seam down on your serving platter. Chill again, for 1 hour, before frosting.




Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cocoa and salt, and stir until smooth. Add cream, stir, and then add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Stir until smooth each time. When the frosting gets too hard to stir, add the espresso a little at a time until you get a good consistency. Cool!

When frosting the log, make rough edges and stripes to give the look of natural bark. This took me a few tries. Because it’s a thick frosting, I sort of sawed back and forth through the frosting. It’s fun!

Note: I did not make meringue mushrooms, but there is a recipe for those on the Pamela’s site if you’re more industrious! This cake was phenomenal!





Giveaway!

Because the 7th in the Cheese Shop Mysteries, FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE, is coming out in 
6 weeks, I'm in a cheese-giving mood. 
So today, I'm giving away your choice of an autographed copy of
 Cheese Shop Mystery 4, 5 or 6:  
To Brie or Not To Brie, Days of Wine and Roquefort, OR As Gouda as Dead 
PLUS a surprise goodie!



Just leave a comment [by clicking the word COMMENTS below] and tell me, 
what your new year's tradition is. 
Remember to leave your email 
(in cryptic form is fine) so I can contact you if you win. 
I'll pick winners by Saturday!

Savor the mystery!

Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!


Friend Daryl on Facebook
Friend Avery on Facebook
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Follow Avery on Twitter
s Follow both of us on Pinterest
Check out our website.


FUDGING THE BOOKS, the 4th Cookbook Nook Mystery, is HERE!  Click to order.




New in February
FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE
Click to order.



102 comments:

  1. I really need to make this. I am also making gluten free rainbow cookies.
    So, our New Year's tradition is a quiet night at home and lots of seafood. New Year's Day is ALWAYS Pork and Sauerkraut for good luck. My email is kmp3142587 at gmail dot com. And now I want some cheese :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim, what's lucky about pork and sauerkraut? I'm so curious!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  2. Our New Years Eve tradition is ordering in Chinese food and standing on our veranda and shouting Happy New Year at the top of our lungs.
    Thanks for the chance!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  3. The New Years Eve tradition involves going out on our terrasse and watching fireworks that seem to start earlier every year! adamek(dot)jeanne(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Jeanne, maybe they do or maybe they just want to give you more bang for your free buck. :)

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  4. My New Year's tradition is to have a holiday party at my home with close friends and family, to celebrate. EMS591@aol.com

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  5. It's looks so good and it's chocolate! Thank you for the GF recipe. myrifraf at) gmail (dot) com

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  6. Hi Daryl! Thanks for posting the recipe. I've never been brave enough to attempt a yule log, however (and I kid you not!!!), I had already planned to take the plunge and make one this year! I haven't found a recipe yet, but yours looks simple. I might make modifications since we're not gluten-free. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas! Nicole
    nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Nicole, all you have to do is switch out the GF flour with regular and omit any xanthan gum. Enjoy!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

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    2. Thanks, Daryl! I wasn't sure what the conversion was. I really like that this recipe has the whipped cream filling as well - much lighter! :-)

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  7. I nearly split myself laughing at the profound truth you told about seeing people we don't want to see and going places we don't want to go...this looks delicious but I can't even seem to get a cookie to turn out appropriately recently. ..time for remedial baking lessons

    ejbs3s@yahoo.com

    actually I have them all but the surprise intrigues me

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    Replies
    1. Jody, I'm glad you have them all. And I like that you like a surprise. :)

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  8. Its been a long time since I've made a jelly roll. This recipe makes me want to try again. Looks delicious! Merry Christmas! dbahn@iw.net

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  9. This recipe is awesome. I need to try and make a Yule log. Cozy recipes have certainly led me outside of my cooking box. And thank all of you fabulous authors for this. My New Years tradition is simple but one close to my heart. My mister and I will be sharing our fourth New Years but first apart, so to keep the tradition of staying up till midnight talking about stories from the year past we will FaceTime to achieve that and our kiss. Our toddler will hopefully be asleep but I would welcome her joining in the late night chat. Thank you again for the chance. breannaherron@icloud.com

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    Replies
    1. Ah, BreAnna, I'm sorry you have to spend one apart. But FaceTime sure does help! Kiss that toddler for me.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  10. Yule log looks sooo yummy! We always spend New Years with my brother and wife, at our house. Great chance to catch up, reflect upon our year, and relax from hectic holiday season. key2117@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good for you for figuring out the Yule log. It isn't hard, just several steps.

    New Years? We try to make a habit of being at home, NOT on the roads with all the crazies!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    Replies
    1. Libby, I've always been a homebody on New Year's, too. :)

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  12. We just stay home on New Years. Too many crazy drivers out there.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  13. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)December 16, 2015 at 10:51 AM

    We have to eat blackeyes for good luck for the new year. Seasoned with a ham hock if I can find one. Corn bread goes well with that too. And of course any leftover goodies from the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, why are blackeyed peas good luck? I love superstitions!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  14. Your Yule Log looks fantastic! Our New Year's Eve tradition is trying to stay up until midnight after an early dinner with friends~ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Daryl! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  15. Well, if we can stay awake any more to ring in the new year . . . ha ha ha. We have the usual little snacks, some wine and apple cider for the kids, and at midnight we do something we learned about while stationed in Spain years ago. We each have a bowl of 12 grapes. As the clock starts to chime we try to eat all 12 grapes before the 12th chime. This is for good luck for the new year. Also a lot of fun to be surrounded by chipmunk-cheeked family.

    That Yule Log looks delicious. You are a whiz with the gluten free!

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. I love all these good luck things. So cool. Do you know where this tradition started in Spain?

      ~ Daryl / Avery

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    2. No, I wish I could remember how we learned about it. Our children were small when we were there and they loved the idea of stuffing their mouths! Someone always asks even now, "Do we have the grapes?" I love tradition, too!

      Delete
  16. We have cute little snacks and toast the New Year with the family. Yule log is delectable. Thanks. what talent. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. We have a quiet but meaningful evening with the kids. Your treat is so appealing and special. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. I like meaningful. Does that mean you talk about the future? The past?

      Enjoy
      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  18. I attend a New Year's party where we play games (card, dominos, etc.). At midnight we have a toast and serve the required foods for New Year's Day in the South. Pork (Sausage dogs) because pigs root forward, black-eyed peas for luck, greens for money. When you leave the party, you have already had your lucky foods for New Year's Day. elainehroberson@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Again, more traditions. The south seems to be packed with them! Enjoy.
      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  19. Growing up when we had a 9:00 bedtime, we would always celebrate the coming new year New York-style. We'd get the neighbor kids to meet us outside in the street at nine o'clock with pots and pans and count down to midnight Eatern Standard Time. Oh the neighbor's thought we were crazy, but it was fun. Even now, I always holler out a big "Happy New Year!" every December 31 at 9:00 PST! kat8762@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen, I'm on the west coast and I love counting down around 9 p.m. Totally works for me!

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  20. My husband and I stay home and try to stay awake 'til the New Year comes in, but seldom make it. So what ever time it is, we give each other a big kiss and go to bed. Firecrackers in the neighborhood wake us up and we step outside to see the fireworks. Makes us happy! marthajane1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, Martha, sweet! A kiss before bed is so special.

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  21. We drink some wine together with my friends! :)
    mmyheartishere@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice. Any special wine? I love learning new favorites from fans.

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  22. A Friend and I always connect with other College Friends and share the year. Usually at someone's house, It ends up a big group of married couples and divorced friends bring in the Year and share news...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Wow, Marilyn, what a wonderfully eclectic crowd. You rock!

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  23. Just watching the New Year's shows on T.V. Sometimes me and my mother have a party tray with cheese and meat. We don't drink so we have grape juice.
    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Grape juice works for me as long as there is cheese. ;)

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  24. My husband and I used to snack and share a bottle of bubbly waiting for midnight. In our old age, it's just another evening.
    cjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, CJ, make those snacks something special and watch a youtube of fireworks whenever you want. Whatever time!

      XO - ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  25. We used to have snack foods and different drinks for New Year's Eve. My husband played cards all night with his relatives. I like to put jigsaw puzzles together. Mostly now, though, after some snacky type foods, I hit the hay before midnight.

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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    Replies
    1. Elaine, I love jigsaw puzzles and haven't put one together, other than digitally, for years! Hmmm, new New Year's plan...
      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  26. My husband and I go out for dinner for New Year's eve. Then back at home to watch the dick clark special then dance at midnight by the Christmas tree. Zeta@iwon.com

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    Replies
    1. Isn't the Dick Clark special great? What a tradition!

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  27. We usually have lots of appetizer type foods on New Year's Eve. The yule log looks great! Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Holden, thanks for the compliment. It turned out great.

      ~Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  28. Watching all these baking competitions I'm curious to try making a Swiss roll on my own...but haven't yet.

    As for New Year's Eve, last year was the first year that I didn't have to work. Now I'm off, but too many crazies out there. I stay home alone with the fur kids. The shows are now idiotic, so just to in to watch the ball or apple drop, then drink more champagne and go to bed!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  29. If our either or both of our sons are around we play games and have soups and snacks until midnight. We may do the same with just us if not too tired.

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  30. I love having a few cocktails on New Years Eve and eating finger foods! I also put some money out on the porch and throw it back into the house after midnight for good money luck for the year!
    njcar22@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Nicole, love that superstition/tradition! Sounds like a million bucks :)

      ~Daryl aka Avery

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  31. Rum cake with pecans.

    davisel1830@hotmail.com

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  32. I dont really have a new years tradition. Sometimes i have plans other times i just enjoy watching the nye shows. My email address is jms79@aol.com

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  33. Ever since I was little I have pork & sauerkraut & watch football michellemartinek@yahoo.com

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  34. Thank you for the recipe/ I've never seen a chocolate jelly roll (but will have to try one with 3 chocoholics in our house). We often go out for an early dinner. If funds permit (not this year) we will stay at a hotel for the night as far as feasible from the city (too many loud booms and too much gun fire around which the dogs hate and we fear). This year will be early dinner and very quiet evening at home with our daughters. servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  35. great fun that recipe! Cheese mystery 6 please!!! seascapelife at gmail dot com. Merry Christmas to one of my very favorite fabulous cozy authors !!!!

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  36. I forgot sorry my New Years tradition is to watch both the Sex and the City movies with snacks and a alcohol free night.

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  37. I think my New Years tradition will continue to be to read and craft more. Two things I love to do.
    jawdance@yahoo.com

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  38. Since we live in the south we have picked up a few of the cooking habits. Black eyed peas (for prosperity), collard greens (for best of luck for every day) and hog 'jowls' (peace for the years) are on our menu. And spending a quiet day together.

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    1. Patty, you're not the first to mention these traditions. So cool.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  39. Your yule log looks delicious but much too much chocolate for me.On New Years Eve, I watch the programs on TV until I get tired, bored or both and go to sleep (around 1030). New Years Day, I catch parts of the Rose Parade on TV but never watch the whole thing. After 40+ years of it, I've lost interest.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. I watch the Rose Parade too. I'm a Stanford girl, so this year I'm invested in the game!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  40. Ring in the New Year with family and friends and a good bottle of bubbly.
    diannekc8@gmail.com

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  41. Love the yule log, as a chocoholic I feel the need to make one. My Husband and I have some of our favorite appetizers, a bottle wine and try to make it to midnight. If we can manage to stay up we call our Children, If we don't call by 12:15 they wake us up. J_A_M_5672@yahoo.com

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  42. We always go out to dinner on New Year's Eve at our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant. rebarger@bellsouth.net

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    Replies
    1. Yum. Love Italian food. (Gluten-free for me, but still love it!)

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  43. Favorite New Year's Eve tradition - watching the Colin Firth PRIDE AND PREJUDICE from start to finish. We know most of the dialog. Your Yule Log looks marvelous. Congrats on the new book!

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  44. Every New Year we have Rack of Lamb and Champagne and spend a relaxing night at home

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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    Replies
    1. I love rack of lamb. That was one of my husband's favorites, too.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  45. We have all our friends over and host a murder mystery dinner. We reveal the murderer at the stroke of midnight. We have done this for about 7 years and we take turns hosting. It is quite fun! Thank you for the giveaway. crossxjo(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Love it. Do you know Krista Davis's latest book features a murder mystery event? Murder Most Howl. Enjoy!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  46. On New Year's Eve we go out to lunch and then see a movie. We are home early enough for a quick nap so we can stay up until midnight. lmmeidam@gmail.com

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  47. We play loads of games on New Year's Eve. And snack on a variety of appetizers. It's always so much fun! Merry Christmas! (emmilou66 at yahoo dot com.)

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    Replies
    1. Game and appetizer night. Sounds like so much fun.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  48. We don't have a New Year's tradition since we have three kids under the age of eight. So, we pretty much have supper, wish each other a happy new year and go to bed. I know, so boring! We may get a bottle of wine this year. SherylHbooth@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Not boring. Family is fun no matter what the tradition!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  49. The winner of this giveaway is DianneKC8. I'll alert you. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete