Christmas Tree Log (Yule Log)

Butter a 30x45 cm baking dish, line it with parchment paper and butter the paper as well

For the dough: place the flour in a large bowl

Add the eggs one at a time, beating at high speed until you get a smooth cream; it will take about 15 minutes to beat

Gradually add the wheat flour, mixing slowly with a wooden spoon

Gradually add the melted butter, continuing to mix slowly with a wooden spoon

Place the dough in the prepared baking dish and bake in a preheated oven (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until it's golden brown

Let it cool down and, while it's cooling, prepare the cream: in a saucepan, mix together the flour and egg yolks

Beat with a wooden spoon

Gradually add the hot coffee and mix

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it thickens slightly and covers the back of the spoon

Do not let it boil

Remove from heat immediately and pour into a bowl

When the cream is warm, add the softened butter in small pieces and beat with a spoon

Then beat with an electric mixer until you get a smooth cream

Once the log cake is almost cool, un-mold it onto a clean cloth, carefully remove the parchment paper, spread the cream over it, and roll up in the direction of length with the help of the cloth

Cut off a piece to make a branch for the tree log

Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream; use a piping bag or cover with a knife and then pass a fork to give the idea of a tree trunk

Decorate as desired

Serves 12 pieces

Note: after unmolding the cake, roll it up as soon as possible so that it doesn't stick to the cloth.