Cannolo / Cannoli

Cannolo (singular of cannoli) is an iconic Sicilian pastry featuring a crispy tubular shell traditionally filled with sweetened ricotta cream. Dating back to Arab-ruled Sicily (9th-11th centuries), legend claims they were created in a harem near Caltanissetta as a fertility symbol for Carnival celebrations.

To make authentic cannoli, create a dough with flour, sugar, butter, egg, and marsala wine. Roll thin, wrap around metal tubes, then fry until golden and crisp. The classic filling combines sheep's milk ricotta with sugar, candied fruits, and sometimes chocolate chips or pistachios.

The secret to perfect cannoli lies in filling the shells just before serving to maintain their delightful contrast between crispy exterior and creamy interior. Traditionally dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with candied orange peel or chopped pistachios.

Cannolo, while traditionally a Sicilian sweet pastry, offers exciting possibilities for savory reinvention. The iconic crispy tubular shell can be brilliantly transformed into an elegant savory appetizer or main course component.

To create savory cannoli, prepare the shell dough without sugar, incorporating herbs or spices instead. After frying to golden perfection, fill with savory mixtures like herb-infused goat cheese, seasoned ricotta with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked salmon with cream cheese, or even spiced meat fillings.

The tubular shape is designed for handheld eating. This practical form maintains the essential textural contrast—crispy exterior with creamy interior—that makes cannoli so satisfying in both sweet and savory applications. Keep the shells separate from filling until serving for maximum crispness.