Grandma’s Authentic Cannoli Shells Recipe ๐ฎ๐น๐ฅ
Overview:
- Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 Cannoli Shells
- Calories: 60.6 per shell
- Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (5/5)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- White wine (enough to make a stiff dough)
Instructions:
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, shortening, salt, and sugar. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to ensure even distribution.
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Add Wine: Gradually pour in the white wine, stirring continuously, until the mixture forms a stiff but workable dough. The amount of wine may vary, so add it slowly until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
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Roll Out the Dough: After the resting period, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Ensure that the dough is evenly rolled out for consistent cannoli shells.
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Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the rolled dough into 5×5 inch squares. This size will be perfect for wrapping around the cannoli tubes.
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Shape the Shells: Take a square of dough and place a cannoli tube diagonally across it, from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. This angle will help create the iconic shape of the cannoli shell.
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Wrap Around the Tube: Carefully wrap one corner of the dough around the cannoli tube, then overlap it with the other corner. Press gently to seal the seam and ensure the shell holds its shape during frying.
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Fry the Shells: Heat up your deep fryer with enough oil to submerge the cannoli shells completely. Fry them one at a time until they turn a deep golden brown color, indicating they’re crispy and cooked through.
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Remove and Cool: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried cannoli shells from the hot oil. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain and cool completely before filling.
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Fill and Enjoy: Once cooled, these cannoli shells are ready to be filled with your favorite creamy filling. Whether it’s traditional ricotta or a modern twist, these shells provide the perfect crunchy exterior for a decadent dessert.
Tips:
- Cannoli Tube Size: Ensure your cannoli tubes are approximately 8 inches long and 1 inch in diameter for the perfect size and shape.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover cannoli shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp them in a low oven if needed before filling.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these homemade cannoli shells as a delightful dessert after a hearty Italian meal.
- Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed espresso for a truly authentic experience.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts for added flavor and visual appeal.