Chocolate Curls
To make any of the following curls, use a 4-ounce bar of Semi-Sweet, Bittersweet, or Milk Chocolate.
• For large curls, melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
• Turn a baking sheet upside down.
• Using a plastic spatula spread the melted chocolate evenly over the baking sheet. The chocolate should be the thickness of a butter-knife blade.
• Refrigerate 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm but not brittle.
• Hold a metal spatula upside down and press firmly into the chocolate, then push steadily ahead until a curl forms.
• With a toothpick or a small skewer, carefully lift the curls and place them on the dessert, or store them on a plate in the refrigerator until needed.
• For small curls, let the chocolate bar stand in a warm place (65 to 70 degrees F.) until thoroughly warm but not melted.
• Using a vegetable peeler, make curls by drawing the peeler along the thin, flat side of the bar.
• Remove the curls with a toothpick and place them on the dessert, or store them on a plate in the refrigerator until needed.
• To make shavings, proceed as directed for small curls but use a short stroke when peeling.
• For a more splintered effect, use cool rather than warmed chocolate.
• Both shavings and splinter curls work best when made directly over the dessert being decorated. Practice first over a plate to be sure it’s working properly.
Almond Ricotta Custard
1 c Ricotta cheese
1 c Evaporated milk
3 Eggs; beaten
3/4 c Sugar
1/2 ts Almond extract
Cinnamon or nutmeg 1 ts Lemon juice
1 ts Almonds; thin sliced
Preheat oven to 350F. Press moisture out of ricotta cheese. Scald milk and pour over beaten eggs. Pour out the mixture into a blender or food processor and add the rest of the ingredients. Beat. Pour into shallow buttered dish. dust with cinnamon or nutmeg. Sprinkle thin sliced almonds on top. Set casserole dish inside larger pan partially filled with hot water. Cook 45 minutes at 350F. To test if done, insert knife near edge of dish. If knife comes out clean, the custard will be done when cool. Let cool before serving. Top with chocolate curls if desired. I won a microwave oven with this recipe