Cannoli

With a sumptuous dollop of rich ricotta cream comfortably resting inside a perfect little golden fried pastry dough dusted with sugar, Cannoli is perhaps the dessert of the Gods. Adorned with chocolate chips and colourful candied cherries, this beautiful confection originated in the region of Sicily in Italy and is slowly making its way into the menus of restaurants across the world. Available in a multitude of ‘Dolci’ or dessert cafes, ‘Gelaterias’ or ice-cream parlours and supermarkets across the country, it is impossible to keep track of the calories while biting into its decadent goodness.

While every variant tastes heavenly, I bought my personal favourite version of the Cannoli from a tiny café opposite the Spanish Steps in Rome. This particular one had a generous amount of orange zest added to the cream and the tangy undertones wonderfully complimented the sweetness overload. Although the size is not very intimidating, even a single piece of Cannoli, the size of two fists, is very filling and will probably make you want to skip meals. Watching the dessert being freshly prepared is like a feast for the eyes and a perfect representation of the term ‘food porn’. I can affirm that this shell of ceaseless delight made me want to get down on one knee and ask for its hand in marriage. (As if I could).