Cannoli Recipe Sponsored By:

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Today we're talking about a beloved Italian pastry, the cannoli. A crunchy shell filled with sweet and creamy goodness, this dessert will transport you straight to the streets of Sicily. So, put on your aprons and let's get to cooking!

What is a cannoli? 

Well, it's essentially a tube-shaped shell made of fried pastry dough. The inside is then filled with a deliciously sweet and creamy mixture, typically made of ricotta cheese and sugar. Some variations may also include chocolate chips, candied fruit, or even pistachios.

Why is the cannoli so special?

Let me tell you, it's all about the texture. That crispy, crunchy shell paired with the creamy filling is a match made in heaven. Plus, the combination of sweet and slightly savory flavors is just so darn delicious.

What are the ingredients? 

• 2 cups of flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
• Vegetable oil for frying

How long does it take to make Cannoli? 

Well, my friends, making Cannoli is not a walk in the park, but trust me, it is worth every second! The entire process can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, but the good news is that the majority of that time is inactive. So, you can kick back, relax, and sip on some wine while your Cannoli shells bake.

How do you make it step-by-step?

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the egg yolk and white wine, and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass.

Step 3: Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli mold, sealing the edges with a bit of water.

Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot until it reaches 375°F. Carefully drop the cannoli shells into the hot oil and fry until they're golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Using tongs, carefully remove the shells from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips until everything is well mixed.

Step 7: Once the shells have cooled, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.

Step 8: Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios on top for an extra bit of pizzazz.

Now, let's move on to the nutritional information of cannoli. We all know that desserts aren't exactly the healthiest option, but moderation is key. In a typical cannoli, there are around 340 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein. Of course, the nutritional information may vary based on the ingredients used, so be sure to check your labels.

What are some tips to make it the best?

Tip #1: Invest in a Cannoli form. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier. Plus, it will give you those perfect, crispy Cannoli shells every time.

Tip #2: Be gentle with your dough. Cannoli dough is delicate, and you don't want to overwork it. Knead it gently and handle it with care.

Tip #3: Let your dough rest. Once you've rolled out your Cannoli dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and will prevent your shells from shrinking.

Tip #4: Fry your shells in small batches. This will ensure that they cook evenly and will prevent them from sticking together.

What are some delicious food pairings? 

Pairing #1: Chocolate. You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate Cannoli. The rich, creamy filling paired with the crispy shell and decadent chocolate drizzle is a match made in dessert heaven.

Pairing #2: Fruit. Cannoli can be paired with a variety of different fruits. Try filling your Cannoli with a creamy fruit filling, like strawberry or raspberry. Or, top your Cannoli with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream.

Pairing #3: Coffee. There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee to pair with a sweet Cannoli. The rich, bold flavors of coffee pair perfectly with the sweet, creamy filling of a Cannoli.

And there you have it, your very own homemade cannoli! These sweet treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just indulging in all by yourself. Trust me, once you've had a bite of a freshly made cannoli, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. Enjoy!