Cocoa Frosting Yule Log

Directions

• Line two greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans with parchment paper. Grease the paper and set aside. In a bowl, combine the walnuts, flour and cocoa; set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat egg yolks on high until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2/3 cup sugar, beating until mixture is thick and lemon-colored. Beat in vanilla. Add cocoa mixture; beat on medium for 1 minute.
• In another large bowl, beat the egg whites, salt and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gently fold into cocoa mixture.
• Spread batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes. Turn each onto a kitchen towel dusted with additional cocoa. Gently peel off parchment paper. Roll up each cake in a towel, starting with the short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
• For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Unroll cakes and spread evenly with cream mixture to within 1/2 in of edges. Roll up each cake again.
• Place one cake roll seam side down on the serving plate. Use the second cake roll for the branches. To make branches, measure 3 in. from top right corner of the second cake roll; cut at an angle from that point to the bottom right corner. Measure 3 in. from the top left corner; cut at an angle from that point to the bottom left corner. Save end pieces for another use. Measure 3 in. from the top right and 3 in. from bottom right; cut between the marks. Place cut cake sections along sides of cake for branches.
• For frosting, in a large bowl beat the cocoa, butter and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir in corn syrup and 3 cups confectioners' sugar. Add additional water if necessary to achieve spreading consistency; set aside 1/3 cup of frosting. Frost top and sides of cake with cocoa frosting.
• To the reserved frosting, stir in the remaining sugar. Place a #5 round pastry tip in a pastry or plastic bag; fill with frosting. Pipe lines over frosting to create a bark-like effect. For holly, flatten gumdrops between waxed paper. Cut into holly leaf shapes. Place clusters of holly leaves and red-hot candies together on frosted log.