Cannoli

 Cannoli is a delicious Italian dessert made with fried dough filled with a sweet ricotta cheese filling. They are typically served during the holidays and other special occasions.

 

Ingredients:

For the filling:

1 pound ricotta cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup candied fruit (optional)

 

For the shells:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

 

Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and candied fruit (if using). Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Make the shells: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Heat a large pot of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

Cut the dough into 4-inch circles.

Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube, overlapping the edges slightly.

Fry the cannoli shells in batches for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown.

Remove the cannoli shells from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Once the shells are cool, fill them with the ricotta cheese filling.

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Tips:

 

If you don't have any cannoli tubes, you can use straws or chopsticks instead.

You can freeze the cannoli shells after frying to make them ahead of time. Thaw them at room temperature before filling.

For a more decadent dessert, drizzle the cannoli with chocolate or caramel sauce.

Enjoy!