How To: Chocolate Curls
Chocolate Curls are an excellent way to jazz up an otherwise plain cupcake. They look very fancy, but are actually quite easy to make! To make them you will need Candy Melts. These are specific kinds of chocolate that have a higher melting point so they don’t deform as easily. You could try using regular chocolate or chocolate chips, I just have no idea how those would actually turn out.To get started you will need:½ Cup Candy Melts2 Teaspoons Crisco/ShorteningLarge (non-coated) Metal Baking SheetMetal Spatula or Dough Scraper
If you are making these in warmer temperatures I found it helpful to put the baking sheet and spatula into the refrigerator for a few minutes to help it cool. This provided me with a better surface to start on. My items started out pretty hot to begin with because it was the middle of summer and we keep our house pretty warm.
In a microwave safe bowl combine the candy melts and the Crisco. Microwave in 30 second increments stirring between each stint in the microwave until completely melted and smooth.
Spread the candy melt mixture onto the backside of the baking sheet. Do not oil or cover with wax paper. If you introduce additional oil into the mixture it will not set properly.Let the candy sit until firm. I found my house was too warm to properly set the candy so I put it in the fridge for a few minutes. You want it to be firm but not so firm that it is brittle.
Using the back of the metal spatula scrape the candy into rolls. If you find your candy too loose simply let it set for a little longer. You need to use equal pressure across the entire length of the pan, if you don’t you’ll end up with chunks of candy. These are also excellent for decoration though, so keep them if you end up making them.
You may need to help some of the curls to finish curling. To do this, simply take your fingers, warm the chocolate up slightly and roll into a curl.
Use these to decorate cupcakes as desired!