Gingerbread Yule Log

Ingredients

• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon clove
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon clove, ground
• cinnamon, ground, additional (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a mixing bowl, beat yolks on high until thickened, about 3 minutes.

2. 2

   Beat in molasses and butter. In another bowl, beat whites until foamy;

3. 3

   gradually add sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture.

4. 4

   Combine dry ingredients; gently fold into egg mixture until well mixed.

5. 5

   Line a greased 15x10x1 in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease and flour paper.

6. 6

   Spread batter into pan. Bake at 375'F for 9-12 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

7. 7

   Turn onto a linen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar.

8. 8

   Peel off paper and roll cake up in towel, starting with short end.

9. 9

   Cool on a wire rack

10. 10

    Meanwhile, beat the first five filling ingredients in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

11. 11

    Unroll cake; spread with half the filling. Roll up.

12. 12

    Spread remaining filling over cake.

13. 13

    Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.