Day: December 19, 2024
December 19, 2024 Daily Horoscopes
Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes
Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co
Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or major decisions from 9 PM to 11:55 PM PST today. After that, the Moon moves from Leo into Virgo.
The Stars Rate Your Day
5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult
Aries (March 21-April 19)
***** This is a fabulous day to schmooze with friends and enjoy the company of others! Your interactions with clubs, groups and associations will also be successful. Make plans to have fun with your main squeeze. It’s also a great time to enjoy movies, the theatre, sports events and activities with children.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
**** You make a wonderful impression on everyone today, especially bosses, parents and VIPs! People see you as attractive, appealing and successful. Small wonder that you might have a romantic, fun-loving evening! Passion is affectionate. Meanwhile, finances look great.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
***** Enjoy conversations with partners, close friends and members of the public today because people are friendly! Everybody wants to share ideas and talk to others. New acquaintances and certainly, new romance could begin this evening. Meanwhile travel for pleasure will delight!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
**** This will be a pleasant day at work because interactions with clients, customers and work colleagues will be positive, warm-hearted and friendly. Discussions about shared property, loans and mortgages will benefit you. Meanwhile romance is sexy! Great date night!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
***** Get out the glitter because it’s time to go dancing! This could be one of the most romantic, amorous nights of the year! It’s the perfect time for a vacation, the theatre, entertaining diversions, sports and fun with children. Make an effort to socialize with someone – you won’t regret it.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
**** You will enjoy socializing with others in a friendly low-key way today. Perhaps you want to keep things on a one-to-one basis? You might entertain one or two people at home? Or you might simply enjoy your own company? (It’s a romantic day.) Look for opportunities to be friendly!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
***** Do not sit at home getting dusty today or tonight. You are a social creature and this is the perfect evening to make plans for a romantic dinner, a movie, a play, sports events or better yet – a mini holiday! That’s because this is a marvellous, sociable day for you! Romance will flourish!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
**** This is an excellent day for financial negotiations, especially with important people – bosses, supervisors and VIPs. It’s also a wonderful day to entertain at home as well as explore real-estate opportunities. Enjoy romance and the company of others.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
***** This is a fabulous day! The Sun is in your sign dancing beautifully with the Moon in your fellow Fire sign. Meanwhile, fair Venus is in your House of Communications smiling at Jupiter, which makes all your interactions with others upbeat, heartfelt and uplifting. (Sounds like a Hallmark moment.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
**** Although you prefer your privacy now, which is why you might take a backseat to whatever is going on around you; nevertheless, this is an affectionate, warm sociable day! On top of that, you might see ways to boost your income! Whatever you do today will be a win/win. Lucky you!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
***** Today is full of harmony in all your relationships. You will encounter abundance and generosity wherever you go. Opportunities for inner growth and appreciation exist, but most of all, you will enjoy socializing with others. Romantic relationships will be affectionate and even dazzling!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
**** This is a wonderful day to engage in any kind of socializing with others. Whatever happens will probably promote your appreciation of the arts and your appreciation of yourself. You might receive gifts or favours from others, especially bosses and people in authority. This is a fortunate day for you!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (1980) shares your birthday today. You’re imaginative and observant. To others, you act quiet and easy going; however, you’re a determined immovable force! This has been a fun-loving year; however, 2025 will be a time of creating solid foundations in your life both externally and internally because it’s time to get grounded.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You might be waiting for a rise in concordance to your efforts but this is not going to happen at this point. Your professional life is quite stagnating and you’ll have to accept this for now.
Maybe use this work slow motion to rekindle things with your partner, there are enough things you two can use to make yourself feel better.
You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
The current disposition is making you choose between two equally attractive and extremely similar choices and you’ll probably spend most of this Thursday trying to figure out what you should be doing. It is important to take your time and not act based on impulse.
There will be temptations on the way but you are definitely equipped with what it takes to surpass them.
You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
A challenging day in terms of health, not necessarily for what you are feeling or the state your body is but more because of your hypochondria.
Whether someone else is sick or not, your attention is suddenly turned towards these aspects and you really make it your first priority to find all sorts of issues with yourself.
You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You may have craved for this chance earlier on but this is when you get it and you need to be content with it now. Although it might sound cryptic, this day will actually be quite clear to you once you figure a few things.
Your partner will probably be there to support you so you don’t have to worry about that anymore than about everything else.
You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You will see that the opinions around you are all of a sudden more accented and you tend to fall for criticism.
It is either that you have become a lot more sensible and emotional or it might be due to your behaviors, which could have been catalogued as a bit erratic in the past few days. Interesting to see which will be the conclusion you reach at the end.
You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Craving for recognition or at least acceptance will probably transform most of how you react to what is going on today. You have kept a certain direction for the past few days and it would be a shame to ruin that out of some emotional struggles.
At the same time, once you reach a common point with a certain person, an interesting collaboration will rise out of that.
You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You will have something to celebrate today and although not very big, you should take any chance you have and do something out of the ordinary.
The stars are on your side and you are quite in a good entertainment mood so why not do it. In terms of love, you will have to be a lot more patient because things have not cleared just yet.
You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You have been permitted way too much and now your dearest are set to show you exactly how you behaved with them by turning the favor.
You need to stay away from any emotional excesses that you seem prone during these days. Don’t be revengeful either but more like accept this as a tough lesson and go past it.
You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Some amends will have to be made if you want to continue one important friendship for you. And it may be that you were not the only one at fault but this Thursday is demanding of you to take responsibility and maybe do a small compromise.
You will show exactly how mature you are by pursuing this. After all’s done you will feel a lot more relieved and energized.
You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
The current disposition is going to somewhat determine you to spend more and a lot of self control is required from you to resist this.
Maybe you could resort to distracting your attention through family activities and spending time with people instead of trying to make yourself illusory happy through a lot of purchases.
You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Some past issues are going to resurface and you will have to make allies with the most unexpected of people.
You are supported though by your family which is definitely an added bonus. Remember once all this is over, who were the people that stood by you and who were those who expected you to fall. A difficult task will see your sense prevail.
You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You are counting way too much on your emotions and you risk being literally blinded by love. It is not like you are completely wrong but you should be observing some signs now, when it is still early.
You are charming and attractive and maybe you shouldn’t devalue yourself as much. Too much anxiety will attract clouds on your sky today.
You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.
Spell For Friday – Watermelon Spritzer
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Watermelon Spritzer
Recipe by Geraldine S
Yield 5 servings
Ingredients
4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
3/4 cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
2-1/2 cups carbonated water
Lime slices
-
- Place watermelon in a blender. Cover and process until blended. Strain and discard pulp; transfer juice to a pitcher. Stir in limeade concentrate. Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, stir in carbonated water. Garnish servings with lime slices.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Spell For Friday – Kuan Yin Friendship Spell
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Kuan Yin Friendship Spell
You should cast this spell if you want to heal a friendship following a fight or disagreement.
After performing it, call your friend and invite him/her to go out on a Saturday or Sunday.
Difficulty: Advanced
Effectiveness: 4/5
Things you need
Lavender shower gel
Pure vanilla extract
A sunflower or an object that represents it
A pink pen
A piece of parchment
How it’s done
Start by relaxing with a nice hot shower and lavender shower gel and while you are cleaning yourself imagine washing away the wounds and anger towards your friend.
Dry off and head to the room prepared for the ritual without getting dressed first to symbolize your willingness to resolve the conflict. Relax further and focus on your goal.
Light the candle after greasing it with vanilla extract. Invoke the goddess Kuan Yin to give you energy and pray to her:
“Kuan Yin, the goddess of affections, watches over me tonight in an attempt to regain friendship with (person’s name). Please help us to recover a peaceful and joyful relationship.”
Bring to mind the good times spent with your friend and when you feel the feelings of joy and affection grow inside you, write down everything you like about your friend.
Once finished, read aloud what you have written holding the sunflower in your hand and then repeat the following words:
“Kuan Yin, lady of friendship, charge this flower with your divine energy”. Then place it on the parchment.
Once the operation is over, thank the goddess by praying:
“Kuan Yin, thank you for giving your help in the success of my goal. I thank you for what you want to grant me. Stay if you want, go if you have to. I will leave you, be blessed.”
Let the candle burn out and give the flower to your friend as soon as you see them.
Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Friday
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)
Friday Source: whitewitchgrimoire.com
Planet: Venus
Colors: Pink and white
Date night! As tonight is Valentine’s Day for those who celebrate or care, which I don’t because every day is the Thunderdome of love up in this house, Venus is here to help bring everyone closer…rawr. But not just romantically, friendship is for Friday too. Anything to draw more love to you is for Friday, whether it’s self-love, sexual love or even mending a rift. Fridays are my best bath days too. Not just for purification, but have you ever done a glamour? Mirror mirror on the wall. I have a friend who found out I was a witch and in the conversation, I told her about a glamour because she had a date. She looked right at me and said “You bitch. I knew there were nights you just looked too good. That’s not fair” We used to go out back when we were both single. The feminine power of Venus is also good for crafting, harvesting herbs, making potions, and just flat getting your drink on. Now we all know why I go live on Fridays. Secret is out. If I am creating a tea or anything for healing, I like to craft on a Friday. And hey, I know you don’t smoke weed, I know this; but I’m gonna get you high today, ’cause it’s Friday; you ain’t got no job… and you ain’t got shit to do. I smell Netflix and chill…. (movie reference #2).
Friday Source: plentifulearth.com
Of all the magical days of the week, Friday is the best for friendship and love spells.
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Gender: Female
Deities: Aphrodite, Eros, Freya, Venus
Colors: Aqua, Copper Colors, Green, Light Blue, Pink
Crystals: Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Copper, Coral, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Moonstone, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Selenite
Herbs & Plants: African Violet, Apples, Apple Blossoms, Apricot, Barley, Birch, Cardamon, Carnations, Catnip, Columbine, Feverfew, Foxglove, Germanium, Goldenrod, Heather, Hibiscus, Iris, Lilac, Magnolia, Roses, Strawberries, Sweetpea, Thyme
Incenses: Cardamon, Rose, Saffron, Sandalwood, Strawberry, Vanilla, Venus Oil, Yarrow
Energies & Associations: Arts, Beauty, Birth, Fertility, Friendship, Growth, Harmony, Love, Marriage, Music, Nature, Partnerships, Peace, Perfumes, Platonic Love, Lust, Passion, Pleasure, Reconciliation, Relationships, Resolving Relationship Issues, Romance, Sexuality, Social Activities, Transformation
Avocado and Artichoke Pasta Salad
Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Thursday
(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)
Thursday Source: amagickalpath.co.uk
Planet – Jupiter
Spells/Magic – money, prosperity, holiday, travel, business, luck, growth, self improvement, generosity, health, wealth
Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.
Oils – lime, magnolia, strawberry, vanilla
plants and trees – sage, nutmeg,oak tree,meadowsweet, hyssop,borage,butterfly weed,clove,dandelion chestnut,maple tree, anise .
Stones – Amethyst, laptis lazuli, sapphire
Colours – blue, metallic colours, green, turquoise, white, purple.
Metal – Tin
Energy Type – Male
Dieties – dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. his parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.
Thursday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Business, Gambling, Logic, Social Matters, Political Power, Material Wealth, Publishing, Collage Education, Long Distance Travel, Foreign Interests, Religion, Philosophy, Forecasting, Broadcasting, Publicity, Expansion, Luck, Growth, Sports, Horses, The Law, Doctors, Guardians, Merchants, Psychologists, Charity, Correspondence Courses, Self-improvement, Researching, Reading and Studying.
Thursday Source: smudgemetaphysical.com
Planet: Jupiter
Colour: blue, purple, green
Plants: oak, wheat
Stone: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin
Herbs: Clove, Oakmoss, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage
Oils:manifest oil
Gods: Thor, Jupiter, Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.
Thursdays are ruled by the planet Jupiter. It is also associated with the Norse god Thor and the Roman God Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet and therefor the most powerful.
Thursday is the best day to perform manifesting magic. Prepare that money magic, ask for that raise, have fun with friends and loved ones.
Spells and rituals: luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion.
Thrifty Thursday spells:
Write what you want to manifest on a bay leaf and burn it.
Start your morning with a slice of whole wheat toast. Add butter or your choice of spread in the form of a dollar symbol ($) and feel the abundance and prosperity entering your life.
Have a meal with a good friends or family. Laugh a lot and feel how abundant your life is with the love and friendships you have.
Work some money magic with our Ancestral Money Draw Spell.
Wassail – A Yummy Winter Drink
Wassail – It smells heavenly simmering on the stove.
Yields: 4 quarts.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
There’s just nothing better than the scent apple cider, fresh oranges, and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove. Part of England’s Christmas tradition for centuries, wassail is a scrumptious spiced cider practically begging to be sipped fireside. Early versions of this Christmas punch included warmed wine, mead, or ale combined with roasted apples, sugar, and spice. This recipe holds fast to tradition with whole bobbing apples and a multitude of warming spices, plus a festive twist using apple cider and cranberry juice in place of the alcohol. Of course, for the grown-up version, a splash of bourbon or brandy adds a kick!
What is wassail?
This non-alcoholic Christmas drink is essentially apple cider infused with fresh orange, lemon, roasted apples, and lots of spice. Think: cozy cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise. It’s important here to use both ground and whole spices, so don’t skip either. The ground spices flavor the roasted apples through their core and have a stronger aroma than the whole spices while the whole cinnamon sticks and star anise pods couldn’t be prettier floating in this drink! The final step before serving is adding in those sweet, tender roasted apples and cranberry juice cocktail. Not only does the cranberry juice add a bright, tart note, it gives the drink a gorgeous rosy hue in your punch bowl.
What is the tradition of wassailing?
The term “wassail” has multiple meanings. First appearing in the English poem Beowulf in the 8th century, the word has been used as a salutation or toast to good health. In England, it also describes a 12th night of Christmas gathering in fruit orchards where dancing, drinking, and singing encourage spirits to provide a good harvest in the coming year. Wassailing can also simply mean Christmas caroling door to door. But today, wassail refers to the cozy, hot holiday beverage that you’ll find here, too. It’s the most delicious way to warm up after a cold night of caroling!
What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple cider is the raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized juice from apples. Apple juice is the juice from apples that has been filtered, pasteurized, and oftentimes sweetened. The difference between apple cider and apple juice may seem subtle, but which one you pick does make a difference! Use apple cider for this recipe. If you can’t find it, apple juice can be used but you’ll be left with a sweeter drink.
Can you make wassail in a slow cooker?
Yes! You’ll want to bake the apples separately, but you can add all of the other ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on high for two hours or low for four hours. Add the baked apples and cranberry juice before serving.
Ingredients
6 small honeycrisp apples
6 Tbsp. dark brown sugar, plus more to taste
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1 gal. apple cider, divided
1 navel orange
10 whole cloves
2 lemons
2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving
3 star anise pods
1 c. cranberry juice cocktail
Bourbon or brandy, for serving (optional)
Fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed, for serving (optional)
See Nutritional Information
Directions
-
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Using a paring knife, cut out the core and stem of each apple, leaving about the bottom 1/2 inch of each apple intact. Using a small spoon or grapefruit spoon, scoop out any remaining core and seeds to form a cavity in each apple. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Divide the brown sugar mixture among each apple cavity, firmly packing it as necessary.
- In the bottom of a pie plate or baking pan, pour 1 cup of the apple cider. Place the prepared apples in the pan. Bake until the apples are very tender and collapsing, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the orange in half crosswise and stick the whole cloves in the peel. Cut one lemon in half and thinly slice the second lemon.
- In a large pot, add the prepared orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and the remaining apple cider. Squeeze the halved lemon into the pot and add the sliced lemon. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until aromatic, 1 hour.
- Add the cranberry juice and the cooked apples with any of their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Taste for sweetness and add more brown sugar, if you like. Serve hot or warm, with alcohol of choice, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick, if you like.
December 19, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern Hemispheres
Source: MoonGiant.com
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society
Moon Phase
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.
Visit the December 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.
Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase
The Waning Gibbous on December 19 has an illumination of 79%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 19 the Moon is 19.23 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
Today’s Moon Sign: ♌ Leo
The current zodiac moon sign is Leo, positioned at 24.02° within the sign. The Moon entered Leo on Dec 17, 12:52 PM and will shift into Virgo on Dec 19, 8:02 PM. The zodiac moon sign represents the position of the Moon as it moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each zodiac moon sign lasts about 2 to 2.5 days as the Moon travels through that part of the sky.
Phase Details
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 79%
Moon Age: 19.23 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,106.32 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,171,780.06 km
Illumination: 79%
Moon Age: 19.23 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,106.32 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,171,780.06 km
20 December 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Southern Hemisphere
Source: nineplanets.org
The current moon phase for December 20th, 2024 is the Waning Gibbous phase.
On this day, the moon is 18.51 days old and 77.85% illuminated with a tilt of -32.611°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 392,653.28 km and the moon sign is Leo.
The Moon phase for December 20th, 2024 is a Waning Gibbous phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon where the illumination of the moon decreases each day until it reaches 50% (the Last Quarter phase).
The waning (shrinking) gibbous Moon will rise after sunset in the east, transit the meridian after midnight, before setting after sunrise in the west.
During this phase, the illumination of the moon will go down from 99.% to 50.1%. Technically, the phase starts as soon as the Full Moon has passed, but it can be difficult to calculate and differentiate the first stage of a Waning Gibbous Moon from a Full Moon when 98-99% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated.
Fun fact: the word Gibbous was first used in the 14th century and comes from the latin word gibbosus which means humpbacked.
Phase Details
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Moon age: 18.51 days
Moon illumination: 77.85%
Moon tilt: -32.611°
Moon angle: 0.51
Moon distance: 392,653.28 km
Moon sign: Leo
Yule Log – It’s a Cake That Doubles as a Stunning Centerpiece
Chocolate Yule Log Recipe
Yields: 12 serving(s)
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
The yule log is a classic Christmas dessert that not only looks pretty, it’s darn delicious, too. I remember seeing this traditional treat in the pages of cooking magazine for years, but it took years for me to try it myself. It turns out, it’s really not hard to make. If you doubt your ability to make one, just give it a shot. I promise you can do it. Just bake a cake, fill it with a sweet filling, roll it up, frost it, and ta da! It looks like a gorgeous woodland log straight out of a fairy tale.
What’s the tradition behind a yule log cake?
Over the history of Christmas, yule logs date back to the 1600s when families would burn the real log on Christmas Eve to symbolize the coming of the new year and good luck. Then, they were popularized in French bakeries during the 19th century where they get their other common name, Bûche de Noël. Many of these lovely cakes are garnished with elaborate meringue mushrooms or other edible woodland creatures, but you’ll love the simplicity of this one.
What’s the difference between a Swiss roll and a yule log?
While both desserts feature a thin layer of cake and fluffy filling rolled into a log, the difference between a yule log and a Swiss roll is how the two are decorated. Swiss rolls are typically kept plain while yule logs are cut, frosted, and adorned to look like, well, logs! Some versions are artfully topped with meringue mushrooms and other intricate things, but simple garnishes like pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary work perfectly.
How do you roll a yule log without it breaking?
The key is to roll the cake, unfilled, fresh out of the oven. Cake is much more pliable when it’s hot, which means you can easily roll it up and shape it into a log without fear of it cracking and breaking. Once the cake has completely cooled, you’ll carefully unroll it, fill it, and roll it up again! If you do end up with any cracks, don’t worry—the frosting will cover them!
How do you decorate a yule log?
This is the fun part: Once you get the log in place, slather the whole thing in the chocolate frosting. Then run the tines of a fork over the frosting to create a bark-like appearance. Stick a few sprigs of rosemary around the log and top with pomegranate seeds. If you don’t want to use pomegranates, sugared cranberries look pretty! A sprinkle of powdered sugar is great, too.
How do you store a yule log?
Wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wait to add the pomegranate seeds and rosemary until just before serving.
Ingredients
Cake
4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
6 large eggs, separated
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 c. strong brewed coffee, at room temperature
1/4 c. powdered sugar
Filling
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting
12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 c. heavy cream
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish
See Nutritional Information
Directions
-
- To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and the vanilla. Beat on high speed until thick and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the melted butter and coffee until combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the yolk mixture and beat on low speed until well combined. Fold a spoonful of the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, gently nudging the batter so it fills the corners. Give the pan a little shimmy to even it out. Bake until the top just starts to spring back when gently pressed, 10 to 12 minutes (the top might still feel a little tacky). Do not over-bake or the cake will crack.
- Place a clean dish towel on a large wire rack. Dust the cake with 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, loosen the edges from the pan, then turn out the cake onto the towel; carefully remove the parchment. Dust the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
- Starting at one of the long sides, use the towel to tightly roll up the cake with the towel inside. Position the cake seam-side down and let cool about 1 hour.
- To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until just smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the heavy cream 1/4 cup at a time, making sure the mixture is smooth before adding more cream. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for a few more seconds, just to combine.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread evenly with the filling, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you. Cover the cake roll with parchment paper and then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, for the frosting: To a medium bowl, add the chocolate. In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let thicken at room temperature until spreadable, about 2 hours.
- Unwrap the cake on a cutting board. Cut off one-fourth of the cake on a sharp diagonal for the branch. Position the branch against the remaining cake roll on a platter. Cover the cake with the frosting using an offset spatula, then drag a fork through the frosting to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.
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