Christmas remains the annual family celebration par excellence and it is not at all surprising that three-star chef Hélène Darroze thinks of her own family when she imagines her 2022 Christmas log.
Created in collaboration with Joannice Lacemon, Pastry Chef of the 2* Marsan restaurant, the Hélène Darroze Christmas log is a touching nod to her family history and region of origin, in particular to her father Francis Darroze, who died in November 2021, who created in the 70’s his own winery “les bas armagnacs Francis Darroze” in Villeneuve-de-Marsan, in the Landes, South-West of France – the heritage is now ensured by his son Marc Darroze, the brother of Hélène Darroze.
The log plays on the chocolate-lemon-citrus accord that the chef is so fond of because it evokes the warm atmosphere of Christmas and its traditions. This accord is then enhanced by a woody and vanilla note, brought by the Armagnac, which brings greed and sophistication. The creaminess of a creamy cake, the lightness of a chestnut mousse, the softness of a chocolate cookie and the crispness of the cocoa with chestnut flour finally add a play of contrasting textures so striking.
“I love the traditions of Christmas and for me the flavors of a log must be respectful of seasonal products and flavors that evoke the tradition of Christmas: chocolate, chestnut, candied fruit … I still have a wonderful memory of my childhood, of the Christmas log that was on the pastry cart of the family restaurant. For me, a log is the respect of a tradition and the taste of childhood“, evokes with emotion the double Michelin starred Chef.
An exceptional detail: each log will be sold with a 20cl bottle of Francis Darroze’s 20 year old Bas Armagnac.
You maybe interest to read:
Pierre Hermé signs two exceptional Yule logs
The Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra unveils its deliciously and tempting 2022 Christmas log
Molitor’s 2022 Christmas log, desugared but rich in exotic flavors
The 2022 Christmas log by Hélène Darroze is available in a very limited edition, on order between December 1st and 19th, on marsanhelenedarroze.com, for pick-up from Tuesday December 20th.
It is also available at Joia, 39 rue des jeuneurs Paris 2e.
Priced: 115 €, for 6/8 people. Profits from the sale will be donated to the association “La Bonne étoile” which works to provide decent living conditions for children in need by giving them access to healthcare, education and food.
Click on this link to read this article in French version.
