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Cannolis

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Cannolis are a classic Italian dessert featuring crispy fried pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture. Often topped with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit, they’re elegant, customizable, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or shortening
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup Marsala wine or white wine
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil, for frying
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar (to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or candied fruit
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, melted chocolate, fruit zest

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs.
  2. Add egg yolk, wine, and vinegar. Mix until dough forms. Add water a teaspoon at a time if needed.
  3. Knead dough until smooth, then wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Roll dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut into circles or ovals and wrap around cannoli tubes. Seal edges with water or egg white.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few cannoli shells at a time until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Cool and gently remove shells from forms.
  6. Drain ricotta cheese well. In a bowl, mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips or other add-ins if using.
  7. Just before serving, pipe or spoon filling into both ends of cooled shells. Garnish with toppings like pistachios or chocolate chips.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

  • Drain ricotta overnight for best texture.
  • Don’t fill shells until ready to serve to keep them crisp.
  • Use metal or DIY molds for shell shaping.
  • Unfilled shells can be stored for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
  • Add citrus zest or liqueur to enhance the filling flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cannolis/