Oh Joy! Chocolate & Espresso Yule Log

"The room was very still while the pages were softly turned and 

the winter crept in with a Christmas greeting."  ~ Louisa May Alcott

Happy first day of winter, friends.  It's a frosty one here this morning, with me in my slippers and a mug of coffee warming my hands.  There is much packing to me done yet as I leave for a few days to see my family and I couldn't be more excited.  From what I hear, my nieces want my assistance in building a snow fort, and are addicted to UNO, so I know what I'll be doing upon my arrival.  These are the best days, when all that really matters is just being together with those who love the bones off you.  As their little hands clasp mine, leading me to the piled up snow, that will be the best gift right there. 

Mocha Medjool Date Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

It’s that time of year when visions of sugar plums start dancing in heads.  Lists are being made on a daily basis and If you’re at all like me you’ve started thinking about desserts to serve for the upcoming holiday season.  Well, to be honest, I think about dessert all of the time, but especially at Christmas.  You want a showstopper.  And today, I have that for you, with a little help from the friendly (and delicious) Natural Delights Medjool date.  And, believe it or not, but this cake is completely vegan, and can easily be gluten free, too.  This is a great recipe to have on hand when guests with special dietary restrictions will be seated at your table.  Rather than having various desserts to accommodate this or that food issue, everyone can partake in this cake. They may even lick their plates.