True Ricotta Cannolis: Baking for the Holidays

Leave the gun; Take the cannoli

Every holiday season my family celebrates with a big dinner and tasty desserts.  Everyone contributes by bringing their homemade food and beverages.  Traditionally, the food is Italian (we are one big Italian family).  There’s no group I would rather spend my holiday with.

I have made it a tradition to bring the dessert for every holiday.  Coming from an Italian family, I like to incorporate an Italian piece to every menu.  This year I have decided to make a Sicilian Cannoli filled with a ricotta cheese.  This cannoli recipe is very simple with only four ingredients: ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

Below is my homemade “Holy Cannoli” recipe|instructional video.  Check it out to see how the cannolis are made.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

[ The cannoli shells can be made or purchased at the bakery.  I have chosen to purchase these delicious, fresh-made shells at my local bake shop ]

Cannoli 2.JPG

In addition to the cannolis I am making a Maple Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake with Fondant Leaves. I found this recipe on Epicurious (straying from my favorite Bon Appetite).  Click on the link for the full recipe and instructions.  I have never made a carrot cake, so this is very exciting and new to me.  I always try to challenge my baking abilities and I LOVE cream cheese frosting, so this recipe won me over.

Baking is a great way to find peace of mind and dance and sing around the kitchen.  Every holiday my mother, sister, and I find time to cook and bake together! They always give me great decorating ideas and for that I am thankful.

With Thanksgiving coming up on Thursday, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the family and friends who are there for me all year long.  They don’t realize the significant impact they have on me and the lessons I’ve learned from them.  I would also like to thank my oven for being there for me through burnt brownies to delectable cakes.

Share your favorite recipes or ideas for me to try in the comments below.  Happy Turkey Day!