National Cannoli Day

Cannoli, pastries that originated in Sicily, are celebrated and enjoyed today on National Cannoli Day. Cannoli are made by shaping dough into a tube and frying it. They are then filled with ricotta cheese, which is sweetened with sugar. Other ingredients are sometimes added, such as nuts (often chopped pistachios), chocolate chips, orange or lemon zest, and candied fruit. Mascarpone is sometimes used in place of ricotta. Cannoli may be drizzled with chocolate syrup or dusted with powdered sugar. They are sold in Italian restaurants, bakeries, and delis, and are commonly eaten at weddings, funeral receptions, banquets, and parties.

Cannoli are believed to have been created in Sicily during the ninth and tenth centuries, during a time of Arab rule. Arabs introduced new techniques for baking pastries in the region, along with new ingredients such as sugar, candied fruits, cinnamon, and pistachios. The first cannoli may have been made by women in a harem in Caltanissetta, Sicily. These original cannoli consisted of a fried dough shell filled with ricotta and honey, and were a symbol of fertility.

Sicily was largely converted to Catholicism in the eleventh century, and cannoli became associated with monasteries and convents. Nuns preserved the recipes and made cannoli for special occasions and religious festivals. Eventually, cannoli became an important part of Sicilian cuisine. They were a favorite way to indulge during Carnevale, during the period before Lent, when rich foods were eaten before the season of fasting. They were also commonly served at weddings to symbolize good fortune and fertility.

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Sicilian immigration to the United States boomed, and cannoli came with the immigrants, connecting them to their cultural roots in their homeland. Cannoli became an important food in Italian-American communities, such as New York City and Boston, being common in Italian restaurants and bakeries.

It is unknown when or how National Cannoli Day got its start, but it has been observed at least since 2015. National Cannoli Day events have been held at bakeries, where there have also been deals on cannoli. Grocery stores and restaurants have also had specials and offered discounts on cannoli on National Cannoli Day.

How to Observe National Cannoli Day

Enjoy cannoli! Make your own, pick some up from an Italian bakery or grocery store, or have some at an Italian restaurant. Check for events and specials at these locations in honor of the day!

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