Note: To make this classic dessert correctly, it is essential to have metal cannoli tubes.
Ingredients
Shells:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons Marsala
Filling:
- 2 quarts canola oil, for frying
- 1 pound sheep or cow's milk ricotta, drained 1 hour in a cheesecloth-lined conical sieve
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 4 tablespoons candied orange zest, recipe follows
- 1/4 cup tiny chocolate chips
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder and cut in the butter with 2 knives or a pastry cutter, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the Marsala and shape the dough into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate.
In a 3 1/2-quart pot, heat the canola oil to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta, sugar, vanilla, orange zest and chocolate chips until well-mixed. Spoon into a pastry bag with an open tip and place in the refrigerator. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide into 4 pieces. Roll one piece onto a flat surface with a rolling pin to a 1/16-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut 4-inch circles from the dough. Using the rolling pin, roll each circle into an oval and wrap each oval lengthwise around a metal form, sealing the edges with egg whites. Flare the edges open with fingers.
Gently drop the cannoli shells into the hot oil and fry until dark golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towels. When the cannoli are cool enough to touch, twist the molds away from the shells. The shells may be made one day in advance and allowed to rest, unfilled and uncovered.
To complete the cannoli, stuff with ricotta cream, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Candied Citrus Zest:
- 8 cups sugar
- 5 cups water
- Zest of 4 oranges or 3 grapefruits or 8 lemons, cut julienne
- Superfine sugar, for sprinkling
In a 2 quart saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, making sure all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
In a large saucepan, combine the zest and enough cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Remove the zest, rinse with cold water and repeat the process 2 more times.
Place the blanched zest in a saucepan and pour the syrup over the zest, adding an extra inch to cover the zest. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until the zest is translucent and tender. Remove from heat and cool. Drain the syrup and lay the zest out on a cooling rack. Toss in sugar and store in an airtight container.
Photo: Cannoli di Ricotta Recipe
















Review This Recipe
You must be logged in to review this recipe.
or Sign Up to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 14 reviews
By wilmington68
Oak harbor,wa
on April 08, 2013
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
This recipe varies from the recipe in MOLTO ITALIANO, one of Mario's most successful cookbooks. This may account for the problems encountered by several who reviewed it. It is unfortunate that Mario has to assume the blame for others failures. Rating given is for the one in the book.
By jcristallo
Wisconsin
on November 23, 2011
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Closest I've found to the Cannoli I used to get in Chicago at the Italian Bakery. I add a little extra powdered sugar, I like it sweeter. I also add ground pistachio nuts to the ends. It adds color and keeps the cheese from getting all over the other cannoli.
By gtmoguy
guantanamo bay,...
on November 14, 2011
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
This is a great, well written recipie
i love the addition of cocao in the dough
There is a little much vanilla in the filling, i noticed it was a lot before so i just used 1 tsp
You have to make sure to use FRESH ricotta, never the cheaper type
Read all 14 reviews