A cannoli is a Sicilian pastry dessert that is an essential part of the cuisine of Sicily. They are fried, tube-shaped pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy filling.

These treats have a long and storied history and just as many variations.

Cannoli originated in Palermo and the surrounding areas and they date to the time when Sicily was controlled by the Arabs.

Historically, the pastries were made for the Carnevale, the festival season which occurs immediately before Lent. The festival is typified by parades and masquerades, something like Mardi Gras.

It is thought that the cannoli might have been a fertility symbol during the season. Now, however, cannoli are enjoyed year round across Italy and in the United States.

For traditional cannoli, the filling is made of ricotta cheese or even sweetened marscapone.

This cheese is blended with a combination of vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, Marsala wine, rosewater, or any other of assorted flavors.

In addition, the size of the cannoli varies as much as the filing's flavorings.

The shell is made of flour, butter, sugar, and a number of other ingredients. This dough is then rolled into ovals and wrapped around a dough ring and fried. Following the frying process, the shells are stuffed using either a spoon or a pastry bag.