Merry Christmas

More traditional than turkey, more feted than foie gras, the "buche" -- literally "log" -- has crowned the French Christmas table since the 19th century, when the rolled sponge cake iced with chocolate buttercream and dotted with meringue mushrooms replaced real-wood decorative centerpieces.

Pastrycooks Mr CONTE or Mr PILLON who releases seasonal pastry collections at their tiny boutiques in Croix Baragnon street or Ozenne street with the fanfare of a fashion designer, sells a huge quantity of buches during the Christmas season at 30-52 euros apiece.

This week it is a big business for them!!