Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this traditional Cannoli recipe. Crispy, fried shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and adorned with chocolate chips and pistachios, this dessert is a true taste of Italian heritage.

Here's a traditional recipe for Italian Cannoli:

Ingredients:

For the shells:

 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 2 tablespoons sugar

 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

 - 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

 - 1/2 cup Marsala wine

 - 1 egg white, lightly beaten

 - Vegetable oil, for frying

For the filling:

 - 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained

 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar

 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - 1/4 cup finely chopped chocolate or mini chocolate chips

 - 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios

 - Extra powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Make the dough:

1- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

2- Add the cold butter pieces and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3- Gradually add the Marsala wine, mixing until the dough comes together.

4- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

1- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

2- Stir in the chocolate chips and pistachios until well mixed.

3- Cover and refrigerate the filling until ready to use.

Shape and fry the shells:

1- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out each portion thinly on a floured surface.

2- Using a round cutter or glass, cut out circles of dough.

3- Wrap each circle of dough around a cannoli tube, sealing the edges with a little egg white.

4- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).

5- Fry the cannoli shells a few at a time until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

6- Remove the shells from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly, then carefully remove the tubes.

Assemble the cannoli:

1- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip with the ricotta mixture.

2- Pipe the filling into each cannoli shell, filling from both ends.

3- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Cannoli!

Nutritional Values :

Here's the approximate nutritional information for the ingredients used in the Cannoli recipe:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: 910

  - Fat: 2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 190 g

  - Protein: 12 g

Benefits: Provides energy, essential for the structure of baked goods, and is a source of dietary fiber and B vitamins.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 96

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 25 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and energy; should be consumed in moderation.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, but excessive intake can affect blood pressure.

Cold Butter (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 204

  - Fat: 23 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness; a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

Marsala Wine (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 160

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 12 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and depth; contains antioxidants.

Egg White (1, lightly beaten):

  - Calories: 17

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4 g

  - Protein: 4 g

Benefits: High-quality protein, low in fat, supports muscle repair and growth.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

  - Calories: Varies (depends on amount used)

  - Fat: Varies (depends on amount used)

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds a crispy texture; choose oils with unsaturated fats for healthier options.

Ricotta Cheese (2 cups):

  - Calories: 600

  - Fat: 40 g

  - Carbohydrates: 20 g

  - Protein: 40 g

Benefits: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health, and adds creaminess.

Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup):

  - Calories: ~285

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: ~75 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness; should be used in moderation due to high sugar content.

Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 6

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor; contains small amounts of antioxidants.

Finely Chopped Chocolate (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 200

  - Fat: 12 g

  - Carbohydrates: 20 g

  - Protein: 2 g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants; adds flavor and texture.

Finely Chopped Pistachios (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 180

  - Fat: 15 g

  - Carbohydrates: 8 g

  - Protein: 6 g

Benefits: Good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins; supports heart health.

Extra Powdered Sugar (for dusting):

  - Calories: Varies (depends on amount used)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: Varies (depends on amount used)

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and visual appeal; use sparingly.

Please note tat these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands or variations in ingredients used.