Caramel-Espresso Yule Log with Meringue Bracket-Style Mushrooms and Chocolate Crumbles

Name: Caramel-Espresso Yule Log with Meringue Bracket-Style Mushrooms and Chocolate Crumbles
Ingredients: 3 , large egg whites; 1/4 teaspoon, cream of tartar; Pinch , table salt; 2/3 cup (4⅔ ounces/132 grams), granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons, unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces; 2 ounces (57 grams), bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup (5 ounces/142 grams), all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed (3½ ounces/99 grams), dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup (1 ounce/28 grams), unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon, table salt; 1/4 cup, shelled pistachios, toasted and ground fine (optional); 2 cups, heavy cream, divided; 1 tablespoon, instant espresso powder; 3/4 cup (5¼ ounces/149 grams), granulated sugar; 1/4 cup, water; 1 tablespoon, light corn syrup; 4 ounces (113 grams), cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces and softened; 1 1/3 cups (5⅓ ounces/151 grams), cake flour; 3/4 cup (5¼ ounces/149 grams), granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons, baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon, table salt; 5 , large eggs, separated; 1/2 cup, vegetable oil; 1/4 cup, water; 2 teaspoons, vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon, cream of tartar; 3/4 cup, heavy cream; 6 ounces (170 grams), bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine; 2 teaspoons, light corn syrup; , Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Desserts or Baked Goods
Cakes
Holiday

By Andrea Geary ･ Appears in Cook's Illustrated November/December 2019, America's Test Kitchen TV

A fluffy, tender cake that rolls effortlessly around a plush, stay-put filling, and most of the work can be completed days in advance? It's a Christmas miracle.

SERVES 10 to 12

TIME 6½ hours, plus 4 hours cooling

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