Dried Cherry and Ginger Cannoli

Elegant cannoli shells filled with a luxurious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, studded with crystallized ginger, dried cherries, and chocolate. This sophisticated Italian dessert is garnished with pistachios and dusted with powdered sugar.

25 servings
2 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup minced crystallized ginger
  • ¾ cup minced dried tart cherries
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
  • 25 pieces purchased cannoli shells
  • ½ cup chopped pistachios
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Working in 2 batches, blend first 5 ingredients in processor until smooth; add ginger and cherries and process until finely chopped and well incorporated. Using on/off turns, mix in chocolate just until blended (do not puree). Transfer filling to large bowl. (Filling can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.Bring to room temperature before continuing.)

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Working in batches, transfer filling to pastry bag without tip. Pipe into shells. Sprinkle ends with pistachios. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. Sift powdered sugar over cannoli and serve.

    120 min