Renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé has unveiled his Christmas Log 2024 collection, inspired by the mysterious world of minerals. This year’s offerings promise to delight gourmets with a geology theme that combines the culinary expertise of the chefs with the raw beauty of nature.
Pierre Hermé‘s latest creations reflect his fascination with crystals and their inherent wonder. “Crystals immediately evoked a sense of wonder in me, a fascination that invited contemplation,” he explains. The pastry maestro has skillfully translated this allure into edible masterpieces that promise to dazzle both the eye and the palate.
The centerpiece of the collection, the Pièce d’Exception, showcases Pierre Hermé’s artistry at its finest. This polymorphous dessert mimics a precious crystal with multiple facets sculpted on a dark chocolate base. It ingeniously combines Ecuadorian Pure Origin chocolate from Hacienda Eleonor with buckwheat, creating a harmonious interplay of bitter notes. A hint of soy salt adds an unexpected twist, while the contrasting textures of shortbread, praline and chocolate biscuit create a multi-layered experience.
For those seeking a more traditional flavor profile, the Signature Log offers a reinterpretation of the classic Gazelle Horn. Almond takes center stage, complemented by orange blossom, honey and candied orange. The log’s exterior mimics the opaque reflections of certain minerals, promising visual intrigue along with flavor complexity.
Pierre Hermé’s collaboration with artist Dimitri Rybaltchenko brings an additional layer of artistry to the collection. Rybaltchenko’s illustrations capture the essence of crystal, conveying its transparency, purity and volume through a play of colors and shapes.
Available for order only on December 23 and 24 in stores and on pierreherme.com, these Christmas logs represent the pinnacle of haute pâtisserie. They offer food lovers the chance to indulge in desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them the perfect centerpiece for holiday celebrations.