Are you looking for a delicious and fun way to surprise your family this festive season? Today I bring you the recipe for a Tronco de Navidad, a dessert that is not only delicious, but also has a spectacular presentation. If you like baking or you are learning Spanish (and want to practice a bit), this is the perfect plan. Put on your apron and let's get to it!

Ingredients for your Tronco de Navidad

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Don't worry, the ingredients are simple and easy to find:

For the sponge cake:

   4 eggs.

   100 g sugar.

   100 g flour.

   1 teaspoon vanilla essence.

For the filling:

   200 ml of whipping cream.

   50 g icing sugar.

   100 g melted chocolate (optional).

For the topping:

   150 g dark chocolate for melting.

   50 ml of whipping cream.

   30 g butter.

Decoration (optional):

   Icing sugar to simulate snow.

   Red fruits or sprigs of rosemary.

Step by step how to make a Tronco de Navidad

Don't worry if you don't have much experience in the kitchen, this Christmas log is easier than it looks. Here are the detailed instructions:

1.Prepare the sponge cake

• Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a rectangular baking tray with baking paper.
•   In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is frothy and has tripled in volume. This is the key to a fluffy cake.
• Add the vanilla essence and the sifted flour a little at a time, mixing with encircling movements so as not to lose the air in the mixture.
• Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

2. Roll the sponge cake

• When the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and place it on a damp cloth.
• Carefully roll it up while it is still warm to give it the characteristic log shape. Leave it to cool in this position.

3. Prepare the filling

• Whip the cream with the icing sugar until stiff.
• (Optional) If you want a more ‘chocolatey’ touch, add the melted chocolate and mix well.

4. Fill and roll

• Carefully unroll the sponge cake and spread the filling evenly.
• Roll it up again and place the log on a tray.

5. The chocolate coating

   Melt the dark chocolate together with the cream and butter in the microwave or in a bain-marie.

   Cover the log with this mixture, using a spatula or a knife to create a tree bark effect.

6. Decorate!

Let your creativity shine through.Sprinkle with icing sugar to simulate snow, place some red fruits or add sprigs of rosemary for a Christmas touch.

Why make a Tronco de Navidad?

As well as being a delicious dessert, making a Yule log is a perfect activity to share with your family or friends.While you are mixing ingredients and decorating, you can practise Spanish vocabulary. Words like "batir", "tamizar" or "decorar" will come in handy if you are learning the language.

Dare to learn while you're cooking

The kitchen is one of the best places to practice a language. Following a recipe, understanding the ingredients and sharing the end result are practical and fun ways to improve your Spanish.

How about trying this recipe this year and surprise everyone with your talent? Remember, the important thing is not to get it perfect, but to enjoy the process - that's how you learn and create magic in the kitchen!

Now tell me, do you dare to prepare this Tronco de Navidad?