Adhering Nuts or Chocolate Shavings onto a Cake

Press chopped or sliced nuts against the side of a cake with the palm of your hand. For the top, scatter them evenly, then use an offset spatula to spread them perfectly straight and to sweep away the excess. Use a metal spatula to press chocolate shavings against the side of a cake—if you use your hand they will melt. Follow the same procedure for covering the top as for nuts.