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Sicilian Cannoli
Cannoli Siciliani
To make cannoli, you need the metal tubes sold for this purpose. Pieces of cane can also be used, approximately 3/4 inch in diameter and 6 inches long (2 cm in diameter, 15 cm long).
preparing the cannoli shells
Shape the dough in a ball, place it on a dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and set it aside for about 1 hour.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface again and cut it into 3 pieces.
Pass each piece through the pasta machine, starting with the widest number. Repeat the step until number 5 on the dial is reached and thin smooth pasta sheets are obtained. Keep the pasta dough and sheets covered with plastic wrap at all times while working to prevent the dough from drying out too much.
Cut the dough into 4 x 4 inch (10 x 10 cm) squares.
Lightly butter the metal tubes.
Wrap the squares around the tubes or cane diagonally. Don't press the dough against the tubes too much. Otherwise it will be difficult to remove them afterward.
Wet the overlapping part with the egg white and press on the edges to stick them together.
Bring the oil to frying temperature in a saucepan. Fry the cannoli a few at a time until golden brown.
Remove them from the pan and briefly transfer them onto paper towels on a large plate to drain the excess oil.
Cannoli derive their name from “canna” (cane or reed) because of their tubular shape,
and because in the past, before the introduction of the metal tubes, they were shaped
around a reed section. They represent the Sicilian dessert par excellence.
Typically part of the festivities for carnival (mardi gras), cannoli were sent in
the past by the dozen as a present to friends. They are now available all year round
in pastry shops all around Italy and wherever Sicilians have settled. Cannoli are
among the most magnificent Sicilian pastries. The fried wafers are traditionally
filled with ricotta cheese sweetened with powdered sugar, with the addition of candied
fruit, pistachios, and chocolate chips.
Desserts >> Sicilian Cannoli - Cannoli Siciliani