Cannoli Alla Siciliana (Sicilian Cannoli)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir in the oil and cold water until the dough forms a ball.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles. Wrap the circles around the cannoli tubes and press to seal.
4. In a deep pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
5. Fry the cannoli tubes in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
7. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, orange peel, and toasted almonds.
8. Spoon the ricotta mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
9. Pipe the ricotta mixture into the cannoli tubes.
10. Garnish with chopped almonds and candied orange peel, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• Cannoli is an Italian dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages.
• The traditional filling for cannoli is made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and candied fruit.
• Cannoli shells are made with a pastry dough that is fried in oil.
• Cannoli is often served during the Christmas and Easter holidays in Italy.