3 Views

Sicily is the birthplace of cannoli, which has grow to be an emblem of the island’s wealthy culinary heritage. This beloved deal with has a superbly crisp pastry shell that encases a creamy ricotta filling. Relying on the event you would possibly discover cannoli adorned with candied fruit, pistachios, or just garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

It’s such an iconic dessert, that no Palermo meals tour could be full with out sampling just a few. 

The Historical past and Cultural Significance of Cannoli

Cannoli’s historic roots might be traced again to Sicily’s historical Arab connections. The title “cannolo,” interprets loosely as “little tube,” which displays its signature form of a fried pastry shell stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese.

Whereas you will discover it any day on the streets of Palermo, cannoli is very in style throughout spiritual festivals like Saint Joseph’s Day. Because it was as soon as an emblem of fertility and abundance.

Over the centuries, cannoli has advanced right into a festive deal with you’ll be able to take pleasure in day by day. But it nonetheless hasn’t misplaced its connection to Sicilian heritage.

High Cannoli Spots in Palermo

Palermo is loaded with historic bakeries and trendy cafes the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in among the finest cannoli in Sicily. The next are simply a few of my favorites. 

Pasticceria Capello

Picture credit score: Pasticceria Capello

Pasticceria Cappello has two areas in Palermo, however I’m keen on the one on By way of Colonna Rotta. It’s conveniently close to Palazzo dei Normanni and the Porta Nuova gate, making it an amazing spot to take pleasure in a cannoli on a historic strolling tour.  

The unassuming décor of Pasticceria Cappello helps give it an invitingly cozy ambiance. But the show of pastries, cannoli, and different confections reveals off like a real murals.  All over the place you look, there are meticulously crafted desserts, reflecting the patisserie’s dedication to high quality and custom.

Whereas Pasticceria Cappello affords a staggering array of scrumptious pastries, their cannoli stand out essentially the most with locals and vacationers alike. Their velvety ricotta cream has next-level richness and a clean mouth really feel. There’s normally a variety with particular garnishes, studded with darkish chocolate chips, or a candied orange peel.

Pasticceria Cappello (€1–10) – By way of Colonna Rotta, 68, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri

You’ll discover Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily simply outdoors of Palermo close to Chiesa di San Giorgio Megalomartire. It’s a famend pastry store celebrated for its distinctive Sicilian desserts, notably its cannoli.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri has the nice and cozy and alluring ambiance you anticipate in a Sicilian pastry store. You get the sensation that the inside décor is deliberately modest to assist draw your eyes to the spectacular show of freshly made pastries within the case.

The menu at Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri is loaded with conventional Sicilian pastries. Nonetheless, their extra-large cannoli undoubtedly stand out. I like how the shell is completely crisp contrasting the creamy ricotta filling, typically enhanced with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri (€1–10) – By way of Francesco Crispi, 226, 90037 Piana degli Albanesi PA, Italy.

I Segreti del Chiostro

Picture credit score: I Segreti del Chiostro

I Segreti del Chiostro is a pastry store related to the previous Dominican monastery of Santa Caterina. This provides you the right alternative to take pleasure in a classical Sicilian cannolo whereas exploring the church’s ornate Baroque structure.

The ambiance of I Segreti del Chiostro faucets right into a monastic vibe, which makes it serene and alluring. When I’ve the possibility, I like to snack on a cannoli of their lush open-air courtyard which is tastefully adorned with multicolored conventional maioliche tiles.

I Segreti del Chiostro’s menu showcases a wide range of conventional Sicilian pastries, together with cassata and different basic muffins bought by the slice. Nonetheless, their cannoli are masterfully crafted à la minute to make sure optimum crispiness. So, you by no means have to fret concerning the soggy shell you generally get when you order cannoli later within the day.

I Segreti del Chiostro (€1–10) – Piazza Bellini, 33, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy.

Insider Suggestions for Having fun with Cannoli in Palermo

To completely take pleasure in cannoli in Palermo it’s finest to go to in style pastry retailers from early within the morning to mid-afternoon. This may assist you to expertise the freshest pastries whereas avoiding the vacationer crowds that are likely to fill the streets later within the day.

Authenticity is essential relating to having fun with cannoli in Palermo. Search for pastry retailers that use high-quality, native substances similar to sheep’s milk ricotta and conventional fried shells. I attempt to keep away from locations with pre-filled cannoli which have been sitting on show for hours. The perfect cannoli are sometimes stuffed à la minute, simply earlier than serving, to protect the crispness of the shell and the freshness of the filling. It’s a trademark signal of high quality craftsmanship, that’s well worth the wait.

These à la minute cannoli completely showcase the distinction between the crispy shell and the creamy, barely candy ricotta filling. A pastry store that permits you to customise your cannoli with toppings like chocolate chips, candied orange, or pistachio crumbs is an particularly good contact.

Sources:

I Segreti del Chiostro. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://isegretidelchiostro.store/

Fb. (n.d.). Pasticceria Giorgio Clesceri. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.fb.com/p/Pasticceria-Giorgio-Clesceri-100063478093260/?locale=it_IT

Pasticceria Cappello. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.pasticceriacappello.it/