How do I make pretty chocolate shavings??

[laughsandlaughs]

This is the 3rd question I've posted about the same recipe, so it better turn out well, but thus far you guys have been lots of help. My recipe calls for a whipped cream topping and semisweet chocolate shavings. My question is how to make pretty shavings. Mine aren't curling up, they're just sort of breaking apart instead of pretty curls. Am I doing something wrong? I'm just using a vegetable peeler. Thanks guys!!

[Zinnia]

The only thing I can think of is maybe the vegetable peeler you are using isn't sharp enough, or the chocolate you are using could be too dry, cold, or old. I have had the same problem before and it was one of those things. Good luck! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

[Melman]

I've had mixed results with trying to get chocolate curls. I've tried chocolate at room temperature...and after it's been refrigerated. I've tried those plain little Hershey bars...and I've tried Ghiradelli and other more expensive bars. My best results?? The little Hershey bars. I've just guessed it has to do with type of chocolate, fat content of chocolate, and just crossed my fingers before whipping out the veggie peeler! Good luck!!

[Sara Emily]

I always make my curls by melting the chocolate and thinly spreading it over the back of a cookie pan. I chill it slightly and then take it out for a few minutes. When it seems at the right temperature to be nicely malleable, (test one!) I use the back of a small or large kitchen spoon to press forward and they curl perfectly every time. If they break too soon, they're too cold and if they just sort of fall apart, they're too warm, so you can quickly adjust the temp. accordingly. Hope this helps!

[ashley]

I had to make these for a dessert on New Year's Eve, so I feel your pain. I finally got some decent curls when I put the chocolate bar in the microwave on low power until it got a little soft. I used a veg peeler and finally was able to get curls instead of those little shavings. It takes patience to get the chocolate at the right temp!

[laughsandlaughs]

Heating the chocolate just a little bit made the shavings easy to make. Thanks for the suggestion. I think what type of chocolate you use makes a big difference. My recipe called for semi-sweet chocolate shavings, which is a harder chocolate than milk, so heating made it soft enough, pliable enough to curl.

[Michael Smith]

Remington - it shaves as close as a blade or your money back!

I'd also recommend talking to your shavings - a few words of affirmation go a long way towards making your chocolate feel pretty.

[sherri]

Great advice everyone
I was never able to make curls before, I would always freeze my chocolate bar and it would not work. I will have to try this method!
What is the chocolate that everyone has had the most success with? What about just buying a plain Hershey Bar??