Technique: Easy Chocolate Shards

Since this is a blog intended to introduce people to new foods and cooking techniques, I thought it might be beneficial to demonstrate one of the easiest methods for making elegant chocolate shards.  Now you can elevate simple desserts into something spectacular, just like Julia Child or your favorite 5-star chef (to elevate like Paula Deen, just add a few pads of butter, and presto!)

Chocolate Shards

INGREDIENTS:

-8 oz. melted chocolate
-1 large sheet of parchment paper

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the chocolate in the microwave, working in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each cycle.  When the chocolate has fully melted it should be smooth and pourable.

Spread the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper, leaving a one-inch margin on each side.

Spreading the chocolate for the chocolate shards

Then roll the chocolate covered parchment paper into a tight roll.

Rolling the chocolate covered paper

The rolled chocolate

Place in the freezer until rock hard.

Using the back of a heavy kitchen knife, lightly tap the outside of the roll (make sure to work over a bowl).  Shake the broken pieces from the paper, and use to enhance almost any dessert!

Eat good food.  Drink good beer.  And above all, stay classy!