This Christmas 2021, former Le Collectionneur pastry chef now consultant Bryan Esposito has come up with a very original yule log. As a matter of fact, he delivered a Cigale yule log called Steven Cigale (notice the reference to the actor) with 13 desserts.

Half of benefits for the cake will be donated to the Institut Rafaël, a charity helping cancer patients. As a matter of fact, this year, the chef has decided to join the fight against cancer that is a cause dear to his heart…

The yule log is based on olive oil and almond financier cake, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, compote of dates, figs and Muscat-macerated dried apricots and honey, nougat and candied fruit mousse, and orange marmalade cooked in cinnamon mulled wine.

The whole is topped with chocolate wings inspired by mendiant chocolates based on nuts and citrus zests. The whole seems a bit complex but ends up very fresh and low in sugar, and it really tastes like the South. We love it!

This Cigale yule log – made to pair Beaumes de Venise wines – serves 6 to 8 and costs €75; it comes in limited edition, to order by sending an MP to chef @espositobryan’s Instagram and collect at the Institut Rafaël on December 23 and 24…

Shall we get a yule log for a good cause, then?