Experience the authentic taste of Sicily with these classic Cannoli. The star of the dish is the delicate, paper-thin shell, fried to a perfect golden crispness that provides a satisfying crunch. Inside, you’ll find a luscious filling of sweetened ricotta cheese, brightened with fresh orange and lemon zest and a hint of vanilla. For an extra touch of tradition, the filling often includes candied fruit and chopped pistachios. These desserts are best enjoyed fresh, as the crisp shell contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. They are a perfect centerpiece for Italian dinners, holidays, or any celebration where you want to bring a taste of the Old World to your table.
Cannoli Alla Siciliana
Description
Experience the authentic taste of Sicily with these classic Cannoli. The star of the dish is the delicate, paper-thin shell, fried to a perfect golden crispness that provides a satisfying crunch. Inside, you'll find a luscious filling of sweetened ricotta cheese, brightened with fresh orange and lemon zest and a hint of vanilla. For an extra touch of tradition, the filling often includes candied fruit and chopped pistachios. These desserts are best enjoyed fresh, as the crisp shell contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. They are a perfect centerpiece for Italian dinners, holidays, or any celebration where you want to bring a taste of the Old World to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shortening, sugar, and salt.
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Gradually add the Marsala wine (or other wine) to the dry ingredients, mixing with your fingers until a firm, slightly stiff dough forms.
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Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth, then shape it into a ball.
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Cover the dough ball with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to relax the gluten.
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While the dough rests, prepare the filling by mixing ricotta cheese with confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, chopped candied orange peel, citron, and glace cherries. Chill until needed.
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After resting, cut the dough in half. On a well-floured surface, roll one half of the dough into a very thin sheet, approximately 1/16 inch thick.
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Cut the rolled dough into 4-inch squares.
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Place a metal cannoli tube (about 7 inches long) diagonally across each square. Wrap the dough around the tube, overlapping the ends to form a cone shape.
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Seal the overlapping dough edges with a small amount of egg white or water to ensure they stick during frying.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 375&# 194;°F (190ðC).
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Carefully lower one or two dough-wrapped tubes into the hot oil.
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Fry gently, turning occasionally, until the shells are a deep golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove the fried shells with tongs and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
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Once cool enough to handle, gently slide the metal tube out of the fried shell.
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Repeat the rolling, cutting, wrapping, and frying process with the remaining dough.
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Just before serving, fill the cooled cannoli shells with the chilled ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
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Decorate the open ends with crushed pistachios and a piece of glace cherry.
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Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 544.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.7g14%
- Saturated Fat 2.8g14%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 1223.0mg51%
- Total Carbohydrate 93.6g32%
- Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 12.0g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
