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Sicilian Cannoli

17/11/2023

Sicilian cannoli are a classic sweet from Sicilian pastry-making, known and loved all over the world. Here is the recipe with steps to prepare them.

Ingredients

For the wafers:

  • 250 g of type 00 flour
  • 30 g of lard or butter
  • 30 g of sugar
  • 1 large egg (yolk only)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 30 ml of Marsala or sweet white wine
  • 1 egg white to seal the wafers
  • Oil for frying

For the ricotta cream:

  • 500 g of sheep ricotta (sifted)
  • 150 g of powdered sugar
  • Chocolate drops to taste
  • Chopped candied orange peel, optional
  • Crushed pistachios and powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

  1. Dough for the wafers: In a bowl, mix the flour with sugar and salt, add the lard and mix until you get a sandy mixture. Add the egg yolk and Marsala, knead until you get a smooth and compact ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Roll out the dough: Roll out the dough thinly with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Cut out circles of dough and wrap them around special metal tubes (or cannoli forms), sealing the edges with a little egg white.

  3. Frying the wafers: Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan and fry the cannoli until they become golden, turning them to cook evenly. Drain on paper towels and carefully remove the tubes.

  4. Prepare the ricotta cream: In a bowl, work the sifted ricotta with powdered sugar until you get a smooth cream. Add chocolate drops and chopped candied orange peel if desired.

  5. Filling the cannoli: Fill the cannoli with the ricotta cream using a piping bag. Decorate the ends with chopped pistachios or more chocolate drops and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Did you know?

The cannolo is a dessert that dates back to very ancient times, it is thought to even originate during the Arab domination of Sicily. Initially, it appears to have been a carnival sweet, but its irresistible goodness has soon made it a treat enjoyed all year round.

Remember that the key to a perfect cannolo is freshness: fill the cannoli just before serving to maintain the crispness of the wafer!

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!

Sicilian cannoli