CHRISTMAS HOT CHOCOLATE CANNOLI'S!
With white chocolate and peppermint!
Tim has been on the cannoli craving train for about 6 weeks now – every time we enter our local shopping centre he wants to grab one, from one of the food venders there. But for $6 a pop at the shops, he often leaves the craving unquenched. So, in the spirit of Christmas I thought I would throw together some delicious Christmas themed cannoli’s – perfect for that craving and perfect for a Christmas celebration!
These treats are truly a Christmas wonder – they are simple to make, with store bought shells, and super tasty, filled with a twist on a classic ricotta filling, crushed peppermint candy canes and dips of white chocolate!
Oh, and lets not forget my secret ingredient: peppermint hot chocolate mix!
That’s right, real hot chocolate mix is used in the making of these gorgeous morsels, and it makes all the difference! If you want a true holiday themed treat, make sure you don’t skip this step!
Difficulty: Easy!
Parties aside though, sometimes there is nothing better than sitting down after a long day (or a long morning for us mums!) and enjoying something totally decadent, filled with totally necessary calories and a cup of strong coffee. And, as you might be able to see, I couldn’t even wait for mine to set before I dived right in… I blame my dessert addiction...
Cannoli’s are perfect for sharing and at their adorable size, they are a flawless portion for a sweet craving kick!
I am so excited to try cannolis in New Jersey, at the amazing ‘Carlos Bakery’! I have lovingly watched 'Cake Boss' on television for years now and have always been dying to try an authentic one from the Italian man himself, Buddy Valastro! So for now, my versions will have to do – but can I just say, I may not be Italian but darn, these taste so good!
The peppermint candy canes add such an incredible flavour and crunch to every bite, and with the ooze of silky cream, well…need I say more?
*I piped each shell using a Wilton 1M piping tip (my fave) but you could use any you like!
Makes: 20 Cannoli's
Gather The Following...
Now, Lets Begin!
Begin by preparing your filling! In a large bowl whip your cream using an electric beater until stiff peaks form, set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat together the ricotta, cocoa, peppermint hot chocolate, vanilla and dark chocolate on low until smooth and combined. Fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture gently and place in the fridge to chill while you prepare your cannoli shells!
To prepare your cannoli shells begin by melting your white chocolate in the microwave for 30 second bursts, until smooth. Dunk each side of a cannoli shell into the melted white chocolate and then sprinkle over a healthy amount of crushed candy canes to decorate. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper to set. Repeat until all your cannoli’s are covered in white chocolate and candy canes.
Once the shells have set, remove your filling from the fridge and transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a piping tip*. Carefully pipe an even amount into each cannoli tube – ensuring the mixture is full on both ends. Sprinkle with a touch more grated chocolate and you are good to go!
Serve and enjoy!
For the Filling
½ cup Thickened Cream
375g Ricotta
1 tbs Cocoa, sifted
2 tbs Peppermint Hot Chocolate Powder
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
50g grated Dark Chocolate, good quality
You will also need...
70g White Chocolate, melted
20 x Store Bought Cannoli Shells
6 Candy Canes, Crushed
