Marbled Yule Log with Candied Nuts - Maple from Canada

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cup maple syrup (preferably dark syrup for its robust flavor)
• 4 eggs
• 3 ripe pears, peeled and chopped coarsely
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup spirits, such as Cognac, pear brandy or rum
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 lb dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter