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Allison Scola, owner and curator of @experiencesicily, takes you on a walking and food #tour through #newyorkcity, featuring #cannoli and more!

Thinking about this outstanding cannolo in Favara,

Thinking about this outstanding cannolo in Favara, Sicily at Pasticceria Patti... They use cubbàita as a garnish... (the local almond torrone specialty). It's truly unique and outstanding. Not to mention it's the full package. Excellent shell (the perfect consistency) and outstanding, fresh, creamy sheep's milk ricotta. More about this soon. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #agrigento #favara #experiencesicily

Most cannoli in Sicily are made with sheep’s mil

Most cannoli in Sicily are made with sheep’s milk ricotta (More later about the non-sheep’s milk ricotta.). It's a sweeter ricotta than what we have in the States, which is almost 99.9% of the time Holstein cow milk ricotta. US cow's milk ricotta is a very different texture and almost a blank canvas in terms of flavor because it's mass produced and the animals are fed a consistent diet so that the ricotta tastes the same, no matter the season. Meanwhile, in Sicily, the sheep's milk ricotta is best during November to May, when the pastures are green, as shown here. Those grasses and clover and other greens give the ladies' milk a naturally sweet essence. That means more natural flavor and less sugar and other additives for cannoli di ricotta. So, look at the landscape! The terroir, if you will, of your Sicilian cannoli makes all the difference! When in Sicily, you eat cannoli with ricotta that comes from the region where you're enjoying it. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newyorkcity #experiencesicily

Did you know that you can buy cannoli shells in al

Did you know that you can buy cannoli shells in almost every supermarket in Sicily? Now you do. And now you know what's wrong with the United States. Not enough good cannoli. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newyorkcity #walkingtour #onlinecooking

From today's Let's Make Cannoli from Scratch onlin

From today's Let's Make Cannoli from Scratch online workshop... A beautiful bounty of cannoli. These are some of the best I've made. Thanks to all who joined me! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newyorkcity #thisisnewyork #walkingtour #cannolilove #newjersey #sicily #experiencesicily #sicilia

Hoboken, New Jersey played home to today's second

Hoboken, New Jersey played home to today's second cannoli adventure. Carnevale this year is most certainly making me dizzy... Oh, the sugar highs, and not only. Carlo's Bakery is famous because of The Cake Boss television show. So, it has a big reputation to uphold. Well, this cream was the real deal. The texture in my mouth was perfect. It felt and tasted like ricotta! Finally! Not too sweet, because it didn't need to be. A few chocolate chips... Love it! But... These were in the case, stuffed when I walked in. And that is the downfall here. The shell tasted OK once I was into it, but the initial impression was disappointing. These had definitely been sitting, stuffed for a few hours, and I could tell. It wasn't soggy, but it wasn't what it should be either. If the Boss, Buddy, had stuffed this for me on the spot, I would have cheered with joy. But alas, I do these visits clandestinely for a true experience. Soon I will have to wear a disguise! No garnish, just powdered sugar, and that was perfect. No fake stuff, please! I do recommend these, but ask for freshly stuffed when you order yours. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey #hoboken

Today's cannoli exploits led me first to Union, Ne

Today's cannoli exploits led me first to Union, New Jersey to Conca D'Oro Pastry Shop. You had me at the name, since this was the name of my cousin Pietro's pastry shop in Rome, named for the Golden Basin that is the landscape south of the bay of Palermo that was for centuries covered with lemon and orange trees... But I digress. The point is, it is a Sicilian shop, though now owned by Juan Lopez, one of the loyal, long-time employees of the original owners. What a fun visit this was. It was a step back in time. So worth the trip here. Juan was a joy to talk shop with. The cannoli was classic New York/New Jersey, with an exceptional shell. They were fresh and reflected that they are store-made, with love. Made with red wine, vinegar, and sweetened with vanillin (a bakery sweetener that is a concentrated vanilla extract). The cream was classic American sweet with some chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon oil. Garnished with "pistachios" OK, OK... The mystery of the fake pistachios is as follows: Juan explained that they are chopped almonds flavored with pistachio oil and colored green. So, these ingredients are for your pastry shops that have a huge volume of cannoli to push out each week. Real pistachios are expensive. The size of this cannoli was perfect. A very enjoyable experience! Classic and so good! Highly recommend this cannoli and Conca d'Oro! #cannoli #newjersey #cannolo #cannolicrawl #union

Let's Make Cannoli from Scratch! Sunday, February

Let's Make Cannoli from Scratch!
Sunday, February 7 at Noon (Eastern) on Zoom
Learn more at link at @experiencesicily or at:
https://experiencesicily.com/cannoli-making-zoom-workshop/
Carnevale is upon us, and to help us celebrate, since we can't be incognito, frolicking out on the streets, I thought we could enjoy making cannoli together from my kitchen to yours. I hope you'll join me for a fun online cooking class, when I'll share my knowledge about this world-renowned Sicilian pastry!

For centuries, cannoli were only eaten when the sheep were making milk, generally from the late winter through the spring. Carnevale, the street party before Lent when all goes topsy-turvy, was the height of cannoli consumption. This beloved pasty was the ancient ice cream cone! Imagine yourself strolling down the avenue suckling on one among the revelers! If you've been on a Cannoli Crawl, seen the Fusion Box Films documentary Cannoli: Traditions Around the Table, listened to my interview with Mike Fiorito the Meatball and Spaghetti Artist Podcast, or read my article about cannoli for The Inquisitive Eater, then you know all about this delightful-fried-tube-filled-with-sweet-ricotta's significance during this festive period.

I hope you'll join me!
~ Allison Scola, owner of Experience Sicily
#cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #online #foodie #cookingclass

Look at the beautiful bubbles (second photo) on th

Look at the beautiful bubbles (second photo) on this cannolo from Hackensack Pastry! This was the best shell on this side of the Atlantic I've had. This was an outstanding cannoli... With a couple of exceptions. Major points for the cannoli not being stuffed until I ordered it. I was asked if I wanted pistachio, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar... Of course! I defer to the chef. Well, I don't know what those green things were, but they were not pistachios! So points off for that. In my hand, this felt like a meal. It was robust, but perfect, for I felt just right after eating it. Now, the cream. There is a lot of sugar in this cream. In this case, the chocolate chips in the cream complimented it. It's a great NY/NJ cream. Vanilla essence gave it a little something. A nice aftertaste. The star of the show here is definitely the shell. A crispy pastry taste that illustrates what a cannoli shell should taste like. And again, those bubbles! Wow! This was an overall excellent cannoli experience. I would go back again, but pass on the "pistachios." #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey #newyorkcity #hackensack

For today's second cannoli pilgrimage, I'm at Cala

For today's second cannoli pilgrimage, I'm at Calandra's Italian Village. This is a beautiful store and restaurant complex. I am super impressed and want to come back for more. Now, on to the cannoli. This is one pastry of dozens that they have here. It is not one of there stars, but still, it is a very good cannolo. The most distinctive element here is the shell. I can immediately taste the lard that they fried it in. That is a good thing. But, it's the only thing I taste. They have made no effort to add cinnamon or cocao or any other essence. And I am missing that. The cream has a delightful texture, but it also has nothing distinctive about it. It is not overly sweet, but it is sweet. The chocolate chips add a nice touch, but really that's it. It's missing vanilla or orange or lemon essence. It's almost as if it's half done. They didn't even put powdered sugar or any garnish on it upon order (They are already stuffed.) ... So there you go! A good cannolo. But not memorable. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey #caldwell

Palazzone 1960's cannoli proceeds itself. From fri

Palazzone 1960's cannoli proceeds itself. From friends, I heard of an outstanding cannoli in Wayne, NJ. Well, I have to say, this is the real deal. It tastes of having been made in-house, which is what I like. That's why you make the trip here! The shell is crispy, light, and has a citrus essence. It is delightful. Forgive my photo. It doesn't do this pasty justice. The cream was fresh, light, and, if I'm not mistaken, has real vanilla extract in it. A few chocolate chips, which is perfect. Not overly sweet... Just as it should be when you are starting with good ricotta cheese, as this has. I think it's cow's milk ricotta. The candied orange is perfect, giving the entire cannolo a delightful citrus essence that stays with you as you eat through the "large." The size is also excellent. It showcases the notable cream beautifully without being too much. It's just right. Thank you Palazzone 1960 for doing cannoli right! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey #wayne

Here's my second research cannolo of the day. I'm

Here's my second research cannolo of the day. I'm on a mission in New Jersey, so send those recommendations. This cannolo was from Marie's Italian Bakery in Saddle Brook. It's a beautiful shop. Just like I like. Well-lit like the jewelry store. The cases glisten with beautiful cookies and pastries. They had little cassata cakes (large too), rum babà, sfogliatelle... All a girl could want. This is a classic New York/New Jersey style cannolo. My sense is they flavor the cream with vanilla sugar, which is an industrial, artificial flavoring, and although these look pretty (I was happy to see Palermo-style candied fruit garnish), it was not my favorite. I know some Americans like this type of flavoring. They are used to it. But I really don't like it. I hate to badmouth anyone, honestly. But my reputation is important to me, and I must report my opinion truthfully. The shell was good. A very standard size and design (size was not too big, not too small). Excellent integrity. Probably made off the premises. The cream was, well, an example of the reason why there are those people who don't like cannoli. It was too sweet and artificial tasting. Definitely trying to extend the life of a not so great ricotta. Looks can be deceiving. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey

Seeking excellent cannoli in New Jersey. Please se

Seeking excellent cannoli in New Jersey. Please send your recommendations. Already filled when I arrived, here's one from L'Arte della Pasticceria in Ramsey, NJ. I am impressed by the shell. It's very crunchy and not too thick to achieve this (which is a bonus). It also holds its integrity. Also, very nice touch with the real pistachios for garnish. The cream is very standard New York/New Jersey style. Chocolate chips aren't overpowering... a plus, but it has a lot of sugar in it, which tells me they are trying to extend the life of the cream. So, pretty good overall. #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newjersey

Let's make cannoli from scratch! Sunday, February

Let's make cannoli from scratch!
Sunday, February 7 at Noon (Eastern) on Zoom
Learn more and register at:
https://experiencesicily.com/cannoli-making-zoom-workshop/ or at link in bio.
Carnevale is upon us, and to help us celebrate, since we can't be incognito, frolicking out on the streets, I thought we could enjoy making cannoli together from my kitchen to yours. I hope you'll join me for a fun online cooking class, when I'll share my knowledge about this world-renowned Sicilian pastry!

For centuries, cannoli were only eaten when the sheep were making milk, generally from the late winter through the spring. Carnevale, the street party before Lent when all goes topsy-turvy, was the height of cannoli consumption. This beloved pasty was the ancient ice cream cone! Imagine yourself strolling down the avenue suckling on one among the revelers! If you've been on a Cannoli Crawl, seen the Fusion Box Films documentary Cannoli: Traditions Around the Table, listened to my interview with Mike Fiorito the Meatball and Spaghetti Artist Podcast, or read my article about cannoli for The Inquisitive Eater, then you know all about this delightful-fried-tube-filled-with-sweet-ricotta's significance during this festive period.

I hope you'll join me!
~ Allison Scola, owner of Experience Sicily

#cannoli #cookingclass #baking #bakingclass #cannolo #experiencesicily #sicily #sicilia #cookonline #sicilian #italianamerican

Homemade cannoli to order for a birthday today. Th

Homemade cannoli to order for a birthday today. The message came in at 12 noon, and voilà! Sweet beauty delivered! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #homemade #madetoorder

Starting the year off right! Happy and sweet 2021!

Starting the year off right! Happy and sweet 2021! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newyorkcity #thisisnewyork

My mother just sent me this photo of the homemade

My mother just sent me this photo of the homemade cannoli I made for her for Christmas Eve dinner. Thought I'd share! Looking forward to making and sharing many more in 2021 and beyond... Buon Anno! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo

They are not real, but they are Dolce & Gabbana @d

They are not real, but they are Dolce & Gabbana @dolcegabbana #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #newyorkcity #thisisnewyork

Panettone and homemade cannoli cream... North meet

Panettone and homemade cannoli cream... North meets South... decadence! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #panettone

Stock up now, during the holiday season, on these

Stock up now, during the holiday season, on these essential cannoli making ingredients: candied cherries and orange rind. They are much harder to find the rest of the year! #cannoli #cannolicrawl #cannolo #cookingclass #sicily #sicilian #italy #italian

We had a fantastic online cooking experience in ce

We had a fantastic online cooking experience in celebration of Santa Lucia yesterday! A discussion about the feast background, and led by @alesmileandfood we made arancini and cuccìa! W Santa Lucia! #arancini #arancine #santalucia #saintlucy #cannoli #cannolicrawl #experiencesicily

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