Lexington Sister Cities: December 2020

2020 is coming to a close, and we at Lexington Sister Cities would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays!

“For somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.” -Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

Cook with us!

Recipe by Mary Parlanti.

Chocolate Yule Log

Cake

6 eggs, separated

1 cup sugar, divided

1/3 cup cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dash of salt

Powdered sugar for dusting

Filling

2 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

2 teaspoons instant coffee

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a jelly-roll pan, then line with parchment or waxed paper.

To make cake: In a medium bowl, beat egg whites, with 1/3 cup sugar until stiff. In another bowl, beat egg yolks at high speed, adding the remaining 2/3 cup sugar; beat for 4 minute. Stir in cocoa, vanilla extract and salt at low speed until smooth. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.

Spread in prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Turn out onto a dish towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up in dish towel while still warm and let cool completely.

To make filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa, instant coffee, and vanilla extract. Beat until stiff.

Unroll the cake and remove towel. Spread some of the filling on the cake. Roll up and place on an oblong platter. Cut over 1/3 inch off each end of the role and place on top of the cake near the ends. (To make it look like the sawed-off limbs.) Ice the outside with remaining filling. Then take a fork and run the tines along the length of the cake to make it look like a real log. Chill several hours before serving.

Fast Facts

Christmas trees were first used by ancient Egyptians and Romans

The origin or the use of Christmas trees goes way back to ancient Egyptians and Romans. They used evergreen trees like fir or pine trees, wreaths, and garlands. And the use of modern Christmas trees started in Germany in the 16th century. Instead of the glitzy decorations that we see on them today, they were decorated with fruits and nuts.

The biggest Christmas gift was the gift of friendship to the US from the people of France!

Christmas is also the time of exchanging gifts. People either save up through the year to buy gifts for their friends and family or make the gifts themselves. But do you know which is the largest Christmas present ever given? It is the Statue of Liberty! The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the USA as a Christmas gift in the year 1886.

Our Book Recommendation

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot…but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.

Find a copy of the book here!

Tourist Attractions