Cannoli

Instructions

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1. 1 Gather the ingredients.
2. 2 Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl; cut in shortening until crumbly.
3. 3 Make a well in the center; add Marsala wine, water, vinegar, egg, and egg yolk.
4. 4 Mix with a fork until the dough becomes stiff; finish kneading by hand on a clean surface, adding a bit more water if needed for about 10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
5. 5 Divide cannoli dough into three balls; flatten each one just enough to get through the pasta machine. Roll 1 ball of dough through successively thinner settings until reach the thinnest setting. Dust lightly with flour if necessary.
6. 6 Place dough sheet on a lightly floured surface; cut out 4 to 5-inch circles using a cutter or large glass.
7. 7 Lightly dust dough circles with flour. This will help you later in removing the shells from the tubes. Roll dough around cannoli tubes, sealing edges with a bit of egg white. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
8. 8 Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry shells on the tubes in hot oil, a few at a time, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes; turn as needed using tongs. Remove shells carefully using tongs; place on a cooling rack set over paper towels.
9. 9 Cool just long enough that you can handle the tubes, then carefully twist tubes to remove shells. Using a tea towel may help you get a better grip. Wash or wipe off the tubes; use them for more shells. Place cooled shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. You should only fill them up to 1 hour before serving.
10. 10 Mix ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar together in a large bowl until well combined; fold in chocolate and lemon zest.
11. 11 Transfer filling mixture to a pastry bag; pipe into shells, filling from the center to one end, then repeating on the other side. Dust with confectioners' sugar to serve, if you like.
12. 12 Enjoy!