Bûche de Noël
Back in Napoleon’s time, winter drafts were thought to cause disease. So Napoleon mandated that all chimneys be closed in the winter to prevent drafts.
The French were no longer able to celebrate with a Yule Log in their hearths. French bakers instead created a chocolate frosted, sponge cake that literally looked like a log and which was meant to be enjoyed by family at the hearth in the place of a real burning log.
To this day, Bûche de Noël are traditionally eaten in front of a fire with all of your family.
Adapted from “The History of the Buche de Noel” from Andronico’s Market http://www.andronicos.com/Features/CoverStory/2008-12-01i.php
