The Ultimate Festive Yule Log Cake Christmas Showstopper

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Chocolate shavings
• Sprigs of rosemary or other greenery
• Edible decorations (e.g., meringue mushrooms, candied cranberries)
• Cocoa powder for bark effect
• Marzipan for decoration shapes