Cannoli

Cannoli are Italian pastries that originated on the island of Sicily. They are a staple of Sicilian cuisine and are also popular in Italian-American cuisine. Cannoli consist of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling usually containing ricotta.

History

The singular is cannolo, meaning "little tube", with the etymology stemming from the Greek kanna. Cannoli originated in Sicily and are a popular treat during Carnival season. They were historically prepared as a treat during the carnival period, possibly as a fertility symbol; the dessert eventually became a year-round staple throughout Italy.

Preparation

Cannoli are typically made with a dough of wheat flour, wine, and lard. The dough is rolled out, cut into circles, and then wrapped around a metal tube to form a shell. The shell is then deep-fried until golden brown. The filling is made from ricotta cheese, sugar, and sometimes chocolate or candied fruits.

Variations

There are many variations of cannoli. The filling can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, orange, or lemon zest. Some versions are dipped in chocolate at the ends and sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving.

In popular culture

Cannoli have been referenced in popular culture, notably in the film The Godfather where a character says the line, "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

See also

• List of Sicilian dishes
• List of Italian dishes
• Italian cuisine

References

Cannoli Resources
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