Cannoli Craze: Master the Art of Sicilian Pastry Tubes Filled with Ricotta and Candied Fruit

The Perfect Cannoli Shell: Crispy and Golden

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional for added richness)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup white wine or Marsala wine
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder (if using). Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and wine. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
3. Knead and Chill: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter (approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.
5. Shape the Shells: Wrap each dough circle around a cannoli tube, overlapping the edges slightly. Seal the edges with a bit of water or egg white.
6. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cannoli tubes in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Once cool enough to handle, carefully remove the cannoli tubes from the shells.

Luscious Ricotta Filling with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup candied cherries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional for extra flair)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels to drain excess liquid. Let it drain for at least 1 hour to ensure a thick and creamy filling.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Candied Fruit: Gently fold in the chopped candied orange peel, candied cherries, and mini chocolate chips if using. Ensure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.

Assembly: The Art of Cannoli

1. Fill the Shells: Using a pastry bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent the filling from spilling out.
2. Garnish and Serve: Once filled, dust the ends of the cannoli with powdered sugar. For added elegance, you can dip the ends in additional mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios.
3. Enjoy: Cannoli are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of filling. Serve them as a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering or as a special treat to savor on your own.

Cannoli are a celebration of Sicilian pastry perfection. The crispy, golden shells paired with the creamy, sweet filling create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. By following these steps, you'll be able to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen and delight in the satisfaction of crafting these beloved pastries from scratch. Whether you're an experienced baker or a culinary novice, these cannoli are sure to impress and satisfy.

Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do our best to ensure accuracy, but ingredient and preparation variations can alter results. Please use caution and consult a medical professional if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns. The blog and its authors are not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the recipes provided. Always prioritize your health and safety when cooking.