Delicious and Super Easy Cannoli's from Scratch...



Ever wonder how to make those delicious pastries you see in small Italian bakery shops? I know I do!! I love going into those cute little shops and tasting whatever looks the most delicious. And so it got me thinking...this can't be that hard! Especially for a mother of 2!

My wonderful sister Jenn gave me a pizzelle maker that I desperately wanted for Christmas this year (she was my secret Santa!!) I was so excited, I couldn't wait to open it up and make my first batch of pizzelle's. While looking through my pizzelle parts and pieces I realized that they included a stainless steel rod. What on earth could that be for!!! Then it dawned on me...CANNOLI'S. You use it to roll shells for cannoli's; and so this past week I gave it a try and they turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Absolutely delicious. It also helps that I have a secret recipe for the filling!! At least I think it should be secret because it is so delicious!

STEP 1: make your pizzelle's

(any favorite pizzelle recipe will do, I made vanilla and almond pizzelle's, but I think chocolate pizzelle's would also make fabulous cannoli's). Here is an awesome pizzelle recipe from cooks.com.

STEP 2: while your pizzelle is hot off the iron, roll it around the rod, shape and let cool.



This is how they will look once they are finished, cooled and ready to be filled.

STEP 3: The Filling:

The key to the filling is to make it to taste,

I add a little more of this and that until I like how sweet it is.

*1 lb Ricotta cheese

*2-3 tbs cool whip

*1 tsp vanilla

*Start with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and

add more to taste if needed 

*mini chocolate chips

Mix the 1st three ingredients together, add powdered sugar to taste,

mix in chocolate chips.

STEP 4: Fill your cannoli shells, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and refrigerate until ready to serve

TIP: don't fill your cannoli shells too soon, otherwise the shells can get soft. An hour or two before you serve them would be fine.

 ..now I need to go get my cup of coffee and a delicious cannoli...