History and Origin of Cannoli
Cannoli is a traditional Italian pastry that originated in Sicily. The word "cannoli" means "little tube" in Italian, which is a fitting name for these delicious treats. The history of cannoli dates back to the 9th century, when they were made for the Carnevale di Lentini festival.
The original cannoli were made with a tube-shaped pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and chocolate chips. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different fillings, such as pistachio cream, chocolate cream, and even savory fillings like ricotta and spinach.
Today, cannoli is a popular dessert all over the world, especially in Italian-American communities. You can find them in bakeries and restaurants, but there's nothing quite like making them yourself at home.
Ingredients for Cannoli
Before you start making your cannoli, you'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 egg white, beaten - Vegetable oil, for frying - 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Making the Cannoli Dough
The first step in making cannoli is to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the wine and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
Shaping and Frying the Cannoli Shells
Once the dough has rested, it's time to shape and fry the cannoli shells.
Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each one out to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 3 inches in diameter.
Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube or a metal cylinder, brushing the edges with the beaten egg white to seal them.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pan to 375°F. Carefully lower the cannoli tubes into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Use tongs to remove the tubes from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool. Once they're cool enough to handle, gently slide the tubes out of the shells and set the shells aside.
Making the Ricotta Filling
Now it's time to make the filling for your cannoli. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Transfer the filling to a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell, filling them from both ends.
Dust the cannoli with powdered sugar and serve immediately. You can also refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before serving.
Last Thing
Making cannoli at home may seem intimidating at first, but with our recipe and baking guide, you'll be able to create delicious and authentic cannoli that will impress your friends and family. The key is to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
From making the dough to filling the shells, every step is important to ensure that your cannoli turn out just right. And once you take that first bite of your homemade cannoli, you'll know that all your hard work was worth it. So go ahead and give our recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!
