Daring Baker’s Challenge, Cannoli
The November 2009 Daring Bakers Challenge was chosen and hosted by Lisa Michele of Parsley, Sage, Desserts and Line Drives. She chose the Italian Pastry, Cannolo (Cannoli is plural), using the cookbooks Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and The Sopranos Family Cookbook by Allen Rucker; recipes by Michelle Scicolone, as ingredient/direction guides. She added her own modifications/changes, so the recipe is not 100% verbatim from either book.
My problem is that I tend to leave things to the last-minute. Unfortunately my daring baker’s challenge was no exception. From the day that Lisa revealed the challenge, procrastination took the better of me, until it was the weekend before the reveal date. The conditions of the weekend allocated for the DBC couldn’t be any worse. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the average temperature of Sunday was 41 degrees Celsius (106 F). Essentially what that meant was I’d have to make something that I’ve never made before, then deep-frying it and filling it, all on the second hottest day ever recorded in November here in Sydney, Australia. That will teach me not to leave things to the last-minute again.
My first experience which soon developed to an obsession (yes I know, another one) with Cannoli started precisely 4 years ago. It was 4 years ago, that I started a new job at a shop which was directly opposite to a beautiful Italian patisserie. Each morning, my request would be a ricotta filled cannoli with a medium cappuccino. I can remember how the cannoli tasted, with its crispy shell encasing an airy mixture of ricotta cheese, doused in a little sprinkle of icing sugar, seems like it was only yesterday. Regrettably, I left that job 2 years ago, and was forced to leave the cannoli behind. Imagine my joy when I found out that this month’s DBC is cannoli, another thing that I absolutely adore eating, but never had the courage to try.
I followed the recipe and instructions as provided by Lisa, and found no problem with it at all. It was quite straight forward and easy to follow, the only downfall is deciding on what delectable fillings to fill the shell with.
The bacon and egg cannoli ?
For this challenge, I tried to think outside the ‘shell’ a bit. The result is a mash up of my favourite breakfast combination of bacon and eggs.
Cannoli shells
- 2 cups (250 grams/16 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons(28 grams/1 ounce) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams/0.06 ounces) unsweetened baking cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.15 grams/0.04 ounces) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (approx. 3 grams/0.11 ounces) salt
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams/1.5 ounces) vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams/0.18 ounces) white wine vinegar
- Approximately 1/2 cup (approx. 59 grams/approx. 4 fluid ounces/approx. 125 ml) sweet Marsala or any white or red wine you have on hand
- 1 large egg, separated (you will need the egg white but not the yolk)
- Vegetable or any neutral oil for frying – about 2 quarts (8 cups/approx. 2 litres)
- 1/2 cup (approx. 62 grams/2 ounces) toasted, chopped pistachio nuts, mini chocolate chips/grated chocolate and/or candied or plain zests, fruits etc.. for garnish
- Confectioners’ sugar
Note – If you want a chocolate cannoli dough, substitute a few tablespoons of the flour (about 25%) with a few tablespoons of dark, unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process) and a little more wine until you have a workable dough (Thanks to Audax).
Working the dough till it's thin enough to see my hand through
Directions for shells
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer or food processor, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the oil, vinegar, and enough of the wine to make a soft dough. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and well blended, about 2 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in the fridge from 2 hours to overnight.
- Cut the dough into two pieces. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Lightly flour a large cutting or pastry board and roll the dough until super thin, about 1/16 to 1/8” thick (An area of about 13 inches by 18 inches should give you that). Cut out 3 to 5-inch circles (3-inch – small/medium; 4-inch – medium/large; 5-inch;- large. Your choice). Roll the cut out circle into an oval, rolling it larger and thinner if it’s shrunk a little.
- Oil the outside of the cannoli tubes (You only have to do this once, as the oil from the deep fry will keep them well, uhh, oiled..lol). Roll a dough oval from the long side (If square, position like a diamond, and place tube/form on the corner closest to you, then roll) around each tube/form and dab a little egg white on the dough where the edges overlap. (Avoid getting egg white on the tube, or the pastry will stick to it.) Press well to seal. Set aside to let the egg white seal dry a little.
- In a deep heavy saucepan, pour enough oil to reach a depth of 3 inches, or if using an electric deep-fryer, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Heat the oil to 375°F (190 °C) on a deep fry thermometer, or until a small piece of the dough or bread cube placed in the oil sizzles and browns in 1 minute. Have ready a tray or sheet pan lined with paper towels or paper bags.
- Carefully lower a few of the cannoli tubes into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan. Fry the shells until golden, about 2 minutes, turning them so that they brown evenly.
- Lift a cannoli tube with a wire skimmer or large slotted spoon, out of the oil. Using tongs, grasp the cannoli tube at one end. Very carefully remove the cannoli tube with the open sides straight up and down so that the oil flows back into the pan. Place the tube on paper towels or bags to drain. Repeat with the remaining tubes. While they are still hot, grasp the tubes with a potholder and pull the cannoli shells off the tubes with a pair of tongs, or with your hand protected by an oven mitt or towel. Let the shells cool completely on the paper towels. Place shells on cooling rack until ready to fill.
- Repeat making and frying the shells with the remaining dough. If you are reusing the cannoli tubes, let them cool before wrapping them in the dough.
Initially, I trialled making the cannoli shells using the handle of a metal ladle as the mould. Suprisingly, the cannoli shell came out beautifully, laddened with blisters and bubbles.
However, the true test of the challenge for me was to present it in a way that has caused me many sleepless nights, Bagon and Eggs. For this challenge, I wanted to bring ingredients which are usually reserved for a savoury breakfast to the dessert table.
The “egg” shell:
Molding softened butter into the shape of an egg
I didn’t have anything that was round that I could mould the dough over, so once again my Macgyver instinct took hold. Using a block of softened butter, I molded it in to the shape of an egg and placed it back into the freezer. Once solidified, I wrapped the thin piece of dough over the ball of butter and deep fry according to instructions. During the wrapping process, I must have stretched parts of the dough too much, therefore some areas were too thin, thus while frying, the butter started to seep out. Pulling the cannoli ball out of the deep fryer, I was surprised to see a somewhat round cannoli, although damaged by two holes on the top and on the bottom.
The “egg white”
Ever since the first time I made Wolfgang Puck’s creme brulee, I was hooked. The ease of the recipe combined with the creamy consistency and the sweetness of the mixture was just right for me. Upon piping the mixture into the shell, it kind off resembled egg shell with it’s white softly boiled.
The “egg yolk”
Inspired by my recent venture to Pier for their dessert menu and the molecular gastronomic techniques as introduced by Ferran Adria, I wanted to re-create the mango sphere. Sourcing the necessary chemical compounds, Calcium, alginate and Citrate from Simon Johnson, I found out that it would cost me $150 just to make the spheres. I couldn’t justify forking out that amount of money on something I would most likely not use again, so instead let the idea go. I was intrigued by how it would have looked if I did make the mango spheres so I popped an egg yolk on top of the creme brulee mixture. It looked exactly how I had envisioned. I can just imagine using the bacon grissini to break in to the sphere causing the mango nectar to ooze out, forming a thin layer on top of the creme brulee. Aahh If only I could afford all those ingredients.
The Bacon
Grissini covered in bacon chips
To assist in incorporating the bacon on to the plate, I employed the help of the grissini. Upon completion of baking the grssini, I painted it with olive oil then sprinkled pre-roasted ground bacon on top.
Overall, I was very pleased with this month’s challenge, despite it looking a little rough, I can affirm that it tasted great. The cannoli was as crispy as should be, the creme brulee was smooth and rich, the raspberries provided the burst of sweet and sour flavour while the bacon grissini served as the perfect dipping stick. Once again, thanks to Lisa for choosing such a fantastic recipe, you’ve helped me rekindle my love affair with the Cannoli.
V9NGARYKR4CS
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By linda
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This article was written on 27 Nov 2009, and is filed under Daring Bakers, Dessert, Dessert Recipes, Italian.
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You’re freakishly amazing. That’s all I need to say…
.-= Karen´s last blog ..A C&C Christmas: Chocolate Peppermint Bars =-.
I love it! What a great idea – bacon, creme brulee, and I also saw some fresh raspberries?!? Love it Linda! Well done on this challenge. I am pretty sure this will be at the top of the beautiful and originality list!
.-= Trissa´s last blog ..Giving Thanks… and a Part 2 =-.
Oh WOW! Mmmm bacon and egg in dessert form XD hee hee how very decadent and creative ^^! You guys never cease to amaze hee hee
.-= FFichiban´s last blog ..Universal Restaurant – Darlinghurst, Sydney. =-.
What fabulous photos and I adore the superb ideas and thoughts behind your wonderful breakfest cannoli. Marvellous pictures of the process and the filling of creme brulee with raspberries and served with bacon grissini dipping sticks WOW WOW WOW I’m stunned how well it worked out. And yes I know what you mean about the heat wave we have been having it was 42C here in Lane Cove (Sydney) that really stopped me also for a while.
A very thoughtful and well executed challenge you are a highly-skilled baker and Oh so talented. Creativity double plus. Cheers from Audax.
.-= Audax Artifex´s last blog ..Daring Bakers’ Cannoli Challenge =-.
zomg that is so freaking awesome! love it!
.-= chocolatesuze´s last blog ..King’s Vault Pop Up Bar, Darlinghurst [5] =-.
Linda you should seriously open your own dessert shop/cafe or something! This is AMAZING! It sort of reminds me of a sweet version of Marque’s chaud froid free range egg… which is a good thing =D
.-= Jacq´s last blog ..Dolcissimo, Haberfield =-.
Sooooooooo beautiful! Amazing photos too.
OH MY GOD!! I love how the egg shape was made, you know I’d totally volunteer to get my hands greasy with butter. haha.
It looks so beautiful!!
.-= Yas´s last blog ..Birthday Yakitori BBQ =-.
Great great idea! Love the molded butter and overall outcome!
This is absolutely stunning. What a brilliant twist to the humble cannoli. Shall we crown you the egg and bacon queen? The pictures are beautiful. I haven’t even started writing my post. lol!
.-= Ellie´s last blog ..Gateau Breton (Brittany Butter Cake) – or is it Boterkoek (Dutch Butter Cake)? =-.
AMAZING! I’m completely in awe of your ideas!!! It is a pity that it would have cost a fortune to make the mango spheres, but I love that you cracked a yolk open to show us what it would look like. I love how you moulded your cannoli, that’s a bit genius, I love the whole thing!!!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Cherry Brulee Cannoli Cups – Daring Bakers Nov 2009 =-.
looks awesome! cant wait to see what you do next month! =)
Love it! What a fab idea. They look wonderful, even if Ferran Adria’s mango spheres were economically unviable. Very cool!
.-= Cakelaw´s last blog ..Daring Bakers – Holy Cannoli! =-.
Love the concept. The “twigs” really sell the rustic appeal of the dish.
Nice work
omg what a spectacular take on cannoli. love the package of grissini sticks too. a picture of elegance!
.-= Helen (Grab Your Fork)´s last blog ..Achacha fruit launch and another Freebie Friday Double =-.
Amazing! Bacon and egg in a sweet! Delicious. Fantastic photos.
Wow! This looks amazing! I love the dipping concept and the whole combination!!
.-= Betty @ The Hungry Girl´s last blog ..Makoto Sushi Bar, Haymarket =-.
Very creative and looks amazing!! I’m so hungry. Can I have 1 of these NOW??
.-= YW@brunchlunchmunch´s last blog ..Bentley Restaurant & Bar =-.
Beside the gorgeous photographs, I absolutely love the whimsy and fun of your interpretation! Well done!
the work of a genius!!!
.-= sheba´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday =-.
Wow….that is just amazing….
.-= BCSwerit´s last blog ..Cannoli =-.
“Using a block of softened butter, I molded it in to the shape of an egg and placed it back into the freezer.”
OMG.
*faint* at the amount of effort you went to, then *swoon* for your end result.
I’m speechless…
Not a kitchen that I would like to clean, ’cause you really let your creative juices flow!!! The end result is phenomenal though!!! Very unique and the pictures are gorgeous!!
Awesome! So inventive and funny, and I’m sure delicious.
.-= Suzana´s last blog ..Daring Bakers – Go Italian! =-.
That is just absolutely amazing! Such a huge effort in that heat. Wonderful creativity and beautiful pictures!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..The Daring Bakers are not baking in November =-.
Wow. Seriously, just, wow! Thanks for the whole tutorial!
.-= syrupandhoney´s last blog ..Daring Bakers: Cannoli =-.
What an amazing idea, captured with stunning photographs! The egg yolk photo is my favorite!
.-= Jeanne´s last blog ..Daring Bakers Challenge: Cannoli =-.
OMG
This is amazing!
.-= pontch´s last blog ..Cannoli =-.
Wow Linda! You’re so creative =D. I love the flavours and every little thing! Its so much fun!
Linda, this is absolutely stunning. You really had me going when you told me your attempt turned out badly. I mean, c’mon! This should feature at your next dinner party (if you can stand to make it again).
.-= Y´s last blog ..Daring Bakers Challenge : Cannoli =-.
Your bacon and eggs is inspiring. You are doing some incredible work in your kitchen. Very impressive!
.-= ChattyCha´s last blog ..Leave the gun. Take the cannoli. =-.
Wow, I lover your special cannoli! Beautiful pictures, too! Well done.
Hands down, one of THE most unique, beautiful and creative cannoli in the challenge! Linda, you should be doing this professionally! I am completely awed, and even mentioned your bacon and egg cannoli in my entry. That said, your photos are spectacular too! Thank you so much for deep frying with me this month, and talk about innovative, a ball of frozen butter as a cannoli form mold? WOW WOW WOW..never ever would have thought of nor attempted that. I must mention that in my entry too!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..“LEAVE THE GUN, TAKE THE CANNOLI” =-.
[...] pasta tubes, aluminum foil pans cut and rolled, wooden spoons, butter knives, tomato paste cans, a frozen ball of butter for cannoli bowls..and the list goes on! Tell me Daring Bakers aren’t some of the most creative and crafty [...]
Wow, you really pushed this challenge to the limits! Very, very impressive and inspiring, Linda!
.-= Irina@PastryPal´s last blog ..Coffee or Tea? Cannoli, that is. =-.
I absolutely love your bacon and egg cannoli! So creative! And, it looks soo delicious! I will have one for breakfast please!
Amazing!! You really thought outside the shell! : o Everything looks wonderful.
hi, since you have a blog ..:D
anyway do visit http://www.ozbloggers.com
got a twitter account?
woweee! Now thats some creativity. You are thinking like grant achatz! And beautiful photography too.
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..November Daring Baker’s Challenge: Cannolis!! =-.
That looks amazingly beautiful. Amazing photography too – like I could lean into my computer screen and taste it now.
.-= Forager´s last blog ..South American eating tour – Meat beautiful Buenos Aires =-.
A butter egg?!? Wow you are amazing! Way out of my cooking league.
Your pictures are beautiful and I learned soooo much reading your post!
Awesome job!
What gorgeous work! You’ve done an awesome, intricate job – everything is wonderful.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..Baked Tomato Meatballs with Fresh Homemade Parpadelle Pasta – Cooking Class 12 =-.
wow this is a great twist to cannoli..!! good job!
.-= swee´s last blog ..Singapore Trip : Mos Burger <3 =-.
You did a fabulous job on your cannoli. I love your bowls & the story on how you made them. Great idea!
Natalie @ Gluten A Go Go
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..Cranberry Chardonnay Cannoli =-.
I really love your bacon & eggs idea. Very creative, and it looks very tasty. Great job!
.-= berrylovely´s last blog ..Christmas Baking: Chocolate-Pear Cake =-.
Wow I’m actually speachless, this is too cool! I love it!
.-= clumbsycookie´s last blog ..To Cannoli or not to cannoli… =-.