One Delicious Lecture Tonight: “Bûche de Noël et Traditions Culinaires”

[Originally published Dec. 2, 2013]  Roughly translated, it means, “rough-hewn Christmas culinary traditions.” What it really means is “delicious” in any language. This scrumptious mini lecture by Daniel Brondi, at Alliance Francaise, will show you how to throw a magnifique French end-of-the-year party dans le style français.

You’ll enjoy an authentic Bûche de Noël, a traditional French Christmas cake shaped and decorated to look like a tree log. Though there’s many variations, they’re often filled and frosted with silky chocolate buttercream and topped with crunchy meringue “mushrooms. ” The cake honors the ancient tradition of French fireplace logs brought in from the cold on Christmas Eve, sprinkled with wine, salt and oil and lit while prayers were said.

Pair the cake with a French Mousseux, (sparkling wine) and your holidays couldn’t be any more festive. The evening will also feature live music by Miguel Rebolledo, Pasadena AF member.

“Bûche de Noël et Traditions Culinaires” mini-lecture by Daniel Brondi, December 13, 2013. 7:00 p.m. The event is free for members and $10 for non-members. Alliance Française de Pasadena is located at 34 East Union St., Kendall Alley, Pasadena. For more information, contact (626) 683-3774 or visit www.afdepasadena.org.