For the Cannoli Shels
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons shortening or butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoons water (if necessary)
1 egg white
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons shortening or butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoons water (if necessary)
1 egg white
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
2 tbsp white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons shortening or butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoons water (if necessary)
1 egg white
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and cinnamon. Cut in the shortening until it is in pieces no larger than peas. Make a well in the center, and pour in the egg, egg yolk, Marsala wine, vinegar and water. Mix with a fork until the dough becomes stiff, then finish it by hand, kneading on a clean surface. Add
a bit more water if needed to incorporate all of
the dry ingredients. Knead for about 10 minutes,
then cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
For the filling
2 pounds of ricotta
Zest of one lemon or Orange
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and cinnamon. Cut in the shortening until it is in pieces no larger than peas. Make a well in the center, and pour in the egg, egg yolk, Marsala wine, vinegar and water. Mix with a fork until the dough becomes stiff, then finish it by hand, kneading on a clean surface. Add
a bit more water if needed to incorporate all of
the dry ingredients. Knead for about 10 minutes,
then cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Divide the cannoli dough into thirds, and flatten each one just enough to get through the pasta machine. Roll the dough through successively thinner settings until you have reached the thinnest setting. Dust lightly with flour if necessary. Place the sheet of dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a form or large glass or bowl, cut out 4 to 5 inch circles. Dust the circles with a light coating of flour. This will help you later in removing the shells from the tubes. Roll dough around cannoli tubes, sealing the edge with a bit of egg white.
3. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or deep heavy skillet. Fry shells on the tubes a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden. Use tongs to turn as needed. Carefully remove using the tongs, and place on a cooling rack set over paper towels. Cool just long enough that you can handle the tubes, then carefully twist the tube to remove the shell. Using a tea towel may help you get a better grip. Wash or wipe off the tubes, and use them for more shells. Cooled shells can be placed in an airtight container and kept for up to 2 months. You should only fill them immediately or up to 1 hours before serving
Zest of one lemon or Orange
To make the filling, pass Ricotta thru a sift. Then stir together the ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar. Fold in lemon zest and chocolate. Use a pastry bag to pipe into shells, filling from the center to one end, then doing the same from the other side. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar and grated chocolate for garnish when serving.
To make the filling, pass Ricotta thru a sift. Then stir together the ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar. Fold in lemon zest and chocolate. Use a pastry bag to pipe into shells, filling from the center to one end, then doing the same from the other side. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar and grated chocolate for garnish when serving.