History Behind the Holy Cannoli - Basta Pasta (2024)

June 16, 2016

Cannoli are delicious!

The Cannolo, or little tube, is Italy’s best-known Sicilian pastry dish. It consists of a fried tube-shaped shell and is filled with a sweet cheese cream filling. Cannoli are a truly timeless dessert that will usher you back into the heart of ancient Sicily.

Origin Story

The traditional cannoli originated in the Sicilian city of Palermo. It is believed that the cannoli’s filling originated with the Saracens, an ancient Arabic peoples, when they brought sugar cane to region. Cannoli were once referred to by the Sicilians as Cappeli de Turchi, or Turkish hats. The pastry was made specifically for the Carnivale, a festive season before lent with parades and masquerades not unlike Mardi Gras. For festival goers the cannoli became a symbol of fertility.

Cannoli Variations

Immigrant Italians in America during the early 1900’s made adaptions to the original cannoli concept due to a limited availability of certain ingredients, and as such modern cannoli can have quite a few variations.

A great cannoli’s shell provides texture while the cream filling imbues its sweet flavor. The filling in cannoli traditionally consists of ricotta, but mascarpone is also sometimes used or a combination of both. In Sicily fresh sheep’s milk is used to make the ricotta. The cheese is sweetened with sugar and often flavored with vanilla, honey or a small amount of cinnamon.

A wide variety of additives are common in modern cannoli to create unique flavors and textures. Chopped pistachios, almonds, chocolate chips, and candied orange peel or pumpkin are frequent additions.

Make it Cannoli Night at Basta Pasta

In 2004, Basta Pasta opened its doors to the public, and ever since has maintained the image and experience of casual Italian dining. In addition to fresh, delicious ingredients and recipes, the restaurant strives to uphold expert, attentive, and cordial service for its customers. Our Timonium location also features plenty of rooms for private parties and events. Enjoy a taste of Italy with hearty pasta dishes, endless salad and breadsticks, and fine wines right here in your hometown. For more information, visitour website. Want to learn more about ourwine selection? Need to get in touch with one of our locations?

Here is some basic contact information for both:

Timonium Location- 60 W Timonium Road