Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Make the Cannoli Dough
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add them to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the Marsala wine and mix until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Cannoli Shells
After the dough has chilled, divide it into smaller pieces and roll each piece out into a thin sheet. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Wrap each circle around a cannoli mold and seal the edges with egg white. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
Step 3: Fry the Cannoli Shells
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully place the cannoli molds with the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove the molds from the oil using tongs and let the shells cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, gently slide the shells off the molds.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until well combined. Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each cannoli shell with the ricotta mixture. You can also dip the ends of the filled cannoli into additional chocolate chips for decoration.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade Sicilian cannoli are now ready to be served! Arrange them on a plate and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh, so make sure to serve and devour them as soon as possible.
Creating your own Sicilian cannoli is a rewarding experience that allows you to indulge in the flavors of Italy. Remember to savor each bite and share these mouthwatering treats with family and friends. Buon appetito!