If you’re a fan of Italian desserts, then chances are you’ve indulged in a delicious cannoli or two. These iconic pastries have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and for good reason – their crisp, flaky shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling is simply irresistible. And while you may think that making authentic cannoli at home is a daunting task, with the right recipe and a little practice, you can master this classic dessert in no time.
To begin your cannoli-making journey, you’ll need a few key ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, Marsala wine, and ricotta cheese. You’ll also need special cannoli molds, which are readily available at most kitchen supply stores or online. Once you have all your ingredients and equipment gathered, it’s time to start making the dough for the cannoli shells.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and Marsala wine together, then gradually add the mixture to the flour mixture until a smooth dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it is smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the ricotta cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling to a pastry bag fitted with a small tip for easy filling later on.
After the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out and shape it into cannoli shells. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one out into a thin circle. Wrap the dough around the cannoli molds, pressing the edges together to seal. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F and carefully fry the cannoli shells until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack.
Once the shells have cooled, it’s time to fill them with the ricotta cheese mixture. Pipe the filling into both ends of the cannoli shells, making sure to fill each one completely. Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or chocolate chips, if desired.
And there you have it – your very own homemade cannoli that rivals those found in the best Italian bakeries. Whether you serve them as a sweet treat for a special occasion or enjoy them as a decadent dessert any day of the week, mastering the art of making authentic cannoli at home is a delicious and rewarding endeavor. So why wait? Get started on your cannoli-making journey today!