Chocolate curls are usually made by
shaving off thin layers from the flat side of a block of chocolate with
a knife or vegetable peeler. A spoke shave, which is similar to a
small wood plane, used by carpenters for trimming the surface of timber,
is much easier to use. It glides easily over the chocolate,
making fine or thick curls according to the amount of pressure applied. The cheapest spoke shave you can find
at your hardware store will do the job. For the more experienced cook: spread
a plastic laminate board thinly with melted chocolate. When almost set insert a knife blade
under chocolate and pull towards you, making 'professional' curls.
