Use chocolate curls and shavings to decorate cakes and other baked goods or to garnish mugs of hot chocolate.

Chocolate Curls
Slightly soften a 3 to 4-inch chunk of chocolate in the microwave on medium (50% power). Using a vegetable peeler, scrape the blade lengthwise across the softened chocolate to create pretty, delicate curls. Refrigerate the curls until ready to use.

Chocolate Shavings
Use a vegetable peeler or knife to shave flat, thin shavings from a room-temperature block of chocolate.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Companion: The A to Z Guide to Everyday Cooking, Equipment and Ingredients (Time-Life Books, 2000)