Marbled Yule Log with Candied Nuts | Maple from Canada

Ingredients

• 30 g (2 tablespoon) butter, softened
• 115 g (2/3 cup) dark chocolate, chopped
• 250 g (2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 16 g (4 teaspoons) baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 150 g (2/3 cup) butter, softened
• 320 ml (1 1/3 cup) maple syrup (preferably dark syrup for its robust flavour)
• 4 eggs
• 3 ripe pears, peeled and chopped coarsely
• 250 ml (1/2 cup) milk
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) spirits, such as Cognac, pear brandy or rum
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup
• 225 g (1/2 lb) dark chocolate, chopped
• 60 g (1/4 cup) butter