All About Italian Ice

All About Italian Ice. Lime Italian Ice served on a plate

Italian Ice is certainly a delectable treat that just about anyone can enjoy. This Italian sweet is especially enjoyable during hot days. And if you happen to live in Boca Raton in South Florida, you may just be lucky enough to have Cannoli Kitchen nearby, where you can purchase your own quality Italian Ice.

Italian Ice is an absolute favorite amongst foodies and it’s often added to many restaurant menus across the nation, regardless if they’re Italian restaurants or not. And while it may seem like a relatively contemporary invention, it may surprise you to know that it’s actually over a century old. And it’s original origins trace back way farther back than that.

If you’re curious to learn more about the history of Italian Ice, then continue reading below.

The History of Italian Ice

Before Italian Ice, There Was Granita

The Italian Ice you know today has origins tracing as far back as ancient Mesopotamia (roughly 4,000 years ago!). But back then, it wasn’t called Italian Ice. In fact, it was named Granita, an icy treat enjoyed by royals. And while you may think it’s impossible to create such a cold food item back then, since refrigerators hadn’t existed yet, ancient individuals had found ways to ice their consumables.

In ancient Mesopotamia, couriers would travel about 100 kilometers just to get snow and ice for cooling royal drinks. This practice would be adopted by Roman patricians a millennia later and then eventually would make its way to Sicily.

In the Middle Ages, Sicilians would purchase Mt Etna snow from a nevarolu, a man who collected it in the winter and stored it caves to prevent it from melting. the snow would be packaged in jute bags and covered with ferns and straw during transport so that the snow could maintain its form in order for it to be turned into an icy treat.

During the Arab conquest of Sicily in the 9th century, sugarcane and lemons were introduced to the region. And as a result, the locals began mixing in these ingredients with honey, aromatic herbs, and spices together with snow. This concoction would lead to the invention of Italian granita, and then eventually to – you guessed it – Italian Ice.

The Italian Ice We Know Today

Documents seem to indicate that the first Italian Ice to be made and sold here in America began in New Jersey in 1915. In this year, on one particular day, Caterina Di Cosmo had grown nostalgic for Italian granitas back in her hometown.

In an attempt to beat the heat, Di Cosmo had decided to recreate this treat by not just simply adding flavor to ice, but by freezing a liquid concoction while mixing it. Through this attempt, the Italian Ice was born.

Ever since then, Italian Ice has grown to become a very popular icy treat enjoyed by millions. Almost every corner you turn at in a downtown area is sure to sell Italian Ice for those who need to chill. And if you happen to be in the Boca Raton area in South Florida, you can always rely on Cannoli Kitchen to help you beat the heat with their quality Italian Ice. Their Italian Ice is made from fresh ingredients used every day. So when you order your Italian Ice from Cannoli Kitchen, you’ll surely be tasting the absolute best icy sweet treat around.

Want The Best Boca Raton Italian Ice? Come Visit Cannoli Kitchen Today!

When you’re ready to have the greatest Italian ice in all of Boca Raton, don’t hesitate at all in contacting Cannoli Kitchen today! Cannoli Kitchen has been providing it’s high-end Italian food to countless patrons in the Boca Raton and surrounding areas. And when it comes to Italian Ice, you can best believe that there’s no better restaurant in the area that can make it better. We feel more than certain that when you choose us for our Italian cuisine, you’ll enjoy your food as you’re added to our growing list of loyal customers. For any inquiries, you may call us at (561) 955-8880 or visit our contact page.

 

History of Italian Pasta

History of Italian Pasta

Italian pasta is one of the most recognized dishes in the entire world. So recognized, in fact, that there are countless variations of it. Almost every day, a new pasta recipe is invented, each with a very unique flavor that stands out amongst the rest. But while we enjoy consuming such a popular and versatile dish, more and more by the day we tend to stray away from learning about the history of this amazing food item. So if you’re curious to know about the history of Italian pasta, continue reading below. You’ll be surprised by the mysterious and long rich history Italian pasta has.

History of Italian Pasta

Where Did it Come From?

While we often think pasta originated in Italy, nobody actually knows for sure where it came from. And with very few documented texts indicating its exact origins, historians and other experts are left to concoct theories of their own. One common belief – probably the most popular belief – is that Italian pasta was inspired by the noodle-making recipe/technique from China. It’s theorized that Marco Polo brought the idea of pasta to Italy when he ventured back from China.

In his book, The Adventures of Marco Polo, there’s a passage where it’s briefly mentioned that the adventurer was introduced to a plant that produced flour. This flour, as is mentioned in the book, was used to create many different pasta-like dishes, including one that was described as lasagna.

The issue with the theory about pasta originating in China, however, is that pasta was already gaining plenty of popularity in other areas of Italy during the 13th century. So it’s very unlikely that Marco Polo was the first to introduce this food item to Italy.

In the end, no one really knows where Italian pasta originated. But considering that China may have had some influence on the dish, some food historians have concluded that an amalgam of recipes and techniques from different cultures would eventually lead to this signature Italian food item.

How is Italian Pasta Made?

While Italian pasta was likely inspired by a wide myriad of cultures, the two things that Italian cuisine did to differentiate this food item from other countries was the use of durum wheat and tomatoes.

Italian pasta noodles are made from unleavened dough involving durum wheat and water or eggs. With durum wheat’s high gluten content and low moisture quality, Italian pasta is able to set itself apart from other forms of noodles. And thanks to the versatility of dough, it’s able to be pressed into different shapes and sizes.

Because of the richness of Italian soil being able to farm many different agricultural products, Italians had found that they could use many different vegetables to create different pasta dishes. Tomatoes, however, had become the most popular vegetable for Italian pasta recipes. And it’s still popularly used today.

Contact Cannoli Kitchen Today For Their Premier Boca Raton Pasta

While there are countless amazing Italian pasta dishes out in the world, you can get the best one offered in South Florida by Cannoli Kitchen. Cannoli Kitchen has provided its quality services to numerous South Florida residents for many years. Our restaurant is highly-renowned for its authentic and high-end Italian dishes. We feel more than confident that when you choose us for our Italian pasta, you’ll only come back for more. For any inquiries, you may call us at (561) 955-8880 or visit our contact page.

Cannoli Kitchen’s Premier Boca Raton Wings

Cannoli Kitchen's Premier Boca Raton Wings. Close up of chicken wings

Looking for quality wings in Boca Raton? Then look no further than Cannoli Kitchen. Here at Cannoli Kitchen, we offer the premier Boca Raton Wings for patrons to enjoy. We are devoted here at our fine restaurant to providing customers with recipes that contain the freshest ingredients around. And when it comes to our wings, you’ll find there are no better wings in Boca Raton. If you’re curious to learn more about what flavor wings we offer, then continue reading below. Each wing type offered at Cannoli Kitchen is unique in flavor and will for sure tantalize your senses.

Cannoli Kitchen’s Boca Raton Wings

Mild Wings

Looking for some good wings, but not ones that are too hot? At Cannoli Kitchen, our Italian kitchen provides delicious mild wings for you to enjoy. Our mild sauce is tangy and will entice to indulge as many wings as possible. So don’t just settle for wings that aren’t up to standard. Order your mild wings from Cannoli Kitchen today!

Medium Wings

Are mild wings not enough for you? Maybe you’d like something a little spicier but not too hot? If so, then feel free to ask us about our medium wings. Out of our many varieties of wing flavors, most patrons tend to choose our medium as they find it to be the perfect balance in wing flavors. Our medium Boca Raton wings are made to satisfy and will please just about anybody.

Hot Wings

Whenever you want the spiciest hot wings in Boca Raton, you can trust that Cannoli Kitchen will provide you with only the best. Wings are a very popular menu item, and when it comes to hot wings, you’ll find them at almost any restaurant. Here at Cannoli Kitchen, especially, we also provide hot wings. But they aren’t just any hot wings, they’re the premier Boca Raton hot wings. So when you want only the best and most spicy hot wings around, opt-in choosing Cannoli Kitchen.

Barbecue Wings

We here at Cannoli Kitchen mastered a multitude of different sauces from mild to hot for all of our wings. But to add more diversity to our menu, we took it a step further and added our barbecue wings.

For the best barbecue wings, you can best believe that Cannoli Kitchen will provide them for you. We have created the perfect sauce for our BBQ wings and cook them just about right so that you’re left begging for more. Our barbeque wings are the best wings in Boca!

Italian Style Wings

What sort of Italian restaurant would we be if we didn’t offer Italian style wings in Boca Raton?

Here at Cannoli Kitchen, we’ve perfected the best Italian wings recipe that encompasses all of Italy in a single bite. When you want true Italian style wings, the best Italian restaurant to turn to is Cannoli Kitchen!

Choose Your Size of The Best Wings

We understand here at Cannoli Kitchen how much customers love variety. So when we offer our wings to you, we don’t just simply offer a handful. In fact, we offer our wings in different sizes ranging from 10 wings to 50 wings. So no matter if you’re seeking the best wings for yourself or for a large group of people, we can satisfy your Boca Raton wing needs.

Call & Place an Order For Your Quality Boca Raton Wings Today!

Now that you know about our amazing variety of wings in Boca Raton, call to place an order today for Cannoli Kitchen’s wings. Here at Cannoli Kitchen, we provide only the absolute best wings around. In fact, we’re more than confident that when you get your wings from us, you won’t want to get them anywhere else. For any inquiries, you may call us at (561) 955-8880 or visit our contact page.

The Most Popular Pizzas in Boca Raton

The Most Popular Pizzas in Boca Raton. Melting cheese pizza

Pizzas are perhaps one of the most iconic Italian dishes to exist in the world. They’re so highly recognized, in fact, that it’s likely everyone you know has had pizza more than once in their life. And the best thing about them is that they’re unique to their regions. No two pizzas taste the same. They all differ depending on what restaurant you go to. And when you want something that tastes truly unique, then come down to Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton. Our restaurant prides itself on offering Italian cuisine that’s made with the freshest ingredients. But if you ever wondered what the most popular pizzas are in Boca Raton, then continue reading below. You’ll find that the most popular Boca Raton pizzas are sold right here in Cannoli Kitchen.

The Most Popular Boca Raton Pizzas

As mentioned above, each region is certainly unique in its own right when it comes to pizzas, and Boca Raton is no exception. While you can find Hawaiian pizza just about anywhere, for instance, no two will taste exactly the same. So you can best believe that when you come to dine at Cannoli Kitchen, you will definitely be chowing down on pizzas that are truly unique. Below are Boca Raton’s most popular pies that are sold right here at our amazing restaurant.

Eggplant Parmesan Pizza

If you’re ever craving the most Italian-esque pizza in all of Boca Raton, then you’ll definitely want to order our eggplant parmesan pizza. The eggplant parmesan pizza is known to have a more zestful taste in comparison to most other types of pies. And Cannoli Kitchen makes their eggplant parmesan pizza with the most zest around! As you’re biting into our eggplant parmesan pizza, you’ll get a feel of not only amazing flavor but also of significant texture as the combination of the soft, warm cheese coincides with the crispness of the eggplant.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

America is known to come up with crazy concoctions for pizza types, and one of its best inventions is probably the buffalo chicken pizza. Here at Cannoli Kitchen, we pride ourselves on perfecting this pizza. Our restaurant utilizes a unique buffalo sauce that’s paired with flavored, breaded chicken breast in order to bring out the best buffalo chicken pizza. When you come to Cannoli Kitchen wanting a pizza with a little extra kick, you can trust that our buffalo chicken pizza is your best choice.

Sicilian Pizza

What is perhaps the most popular pizza here in Boca Raton is the Sicilian Pizza and it’s one that we’ve perfected here at Cannoli Kitchen. Sicilian pizzas are known to have a myriad of different ingredients that make it stand out amongst other pie types. And while we use the best, most fresh ingredients here at our restaurant for this pizza, we also ensure that our Sicilian pizzas are made to come out rich, fluffy, and absolutely perfect. For a blast of flavor that will excite your taste buds, there’s no better choice than the Sicilian pizza.

Order The Best & Most Popular Boca Raton Pizzas Here at Cannoli Kitchen

If you’re visiting Boca Raton, or already happen to live in or near here, you can get the best and most popular pizzas around in Cannoli Kitchen. We take tremendous pride at our restaurant for crafting and serving quality Italian cuisines to countless customers each day. We’re more than confident that when you choose us, you’ll be added to our growing list of satisfied customers as you enjoy your high-grade pizza pie. To place an order, you may call us at (561) 338-2929 or visit our contact page.

Best Italian Desserts in Boca Raton

Cannolis - the best Italian desserts in Boca Raton

Italian desserts are certainly a luxury in and of themselves. And the best thing about them is that they can be enjoyed by just about anybody. You can go to any Italian restaurant and order one. But if you’re looking for the absolute best Italian desserts in all of Boca Raton, then look no further than Cannoli Kitchen. Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton is a local restaurant that provides authentic, quality Italian food to all customers who walk through their doors or places an order for delivery. When you want amazing food paired with excellent customer service, then come down to Cannoli Kitchen.

As our name implies, cannolis are a house specialty here at our fine restaurant. We offer the original cannoli as well as a few other Italian desserts. And if you’re curious to learn more about them, then continue reading below. You’ll find that our desserts are unequal to just about any other Italian sweets you can find in South Florida.

The Best Italian Desserts in Boca Raton By Cannoli Kitchen

The best thing about Cannoli Kitchen is that everything is made with the freshest ingredients and it’s all prepared on our premises. So when you’re looking for the best quality Italian desserts in Boca Raton, you can rest assured you’ll find it at our restaurant.

Original Cannoli

If you’ve ever wondered what a cannoli is, here’s a simple description: it’s basically a deep-fried pastry shell that’s stuffed with a sweet cream filling. And here at Cannoli Kitchen, we’ve perfected its shape, texture, and – most importantly – its flavor. They’re freshly prepared so that you can taste them with every bit of integrity we put into them. All in all, when you want the most flavorful and most satisfying cannolis in all of Boca Raton, you can bet you’ll find it at Cannoli Kitchen.

As an added note, if you’re craving a cannoli but aren’t feeling committed to indulging in a full one, then you can always choose to purchase one or more of our mini ones instead. Additionally, you can also order many of our mini cannolis for get-togethers such as parties or a picnic.

Chocolate Cannoli

Our original cannoli is amazing, but if you’re looking to satisfy your tastebuds even further, then you don’t want to miss out on ordering our chocolate cannoli. What makes these different from our original ones is that the shells of these cannolis are crafted with special chocolate but still have the same sweet cream filling in the center with even more chocolate added. If you’re a chocolate lover, you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least order one of these.

Just like the original cannoli, we also offer a mini version of our chocolate cannoli. Whenever you’re attending an event for a get-together, don’t forget to order a bunch of our mini chocolate cannolis.

Tiramisu

This is a dessert that doesn’t need an introduction. Just about everybody knows it and you can order it here at Cannoli Kitchen. Whenever you want a nice little “pick-me-up” after eating a heavy meal, the tiramisu is a nice choice. Crafted with mascarpone cheese and coffee-dipped ladyfingers, you’re sure to satisfy your flavor cravings with this hearty dessert.

This dessert is most ideal for anyone enjoying a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. Because of how prestigious the dessert is, it’s a good sweet to have to help commemorate your momentous events.

Order The Best Italian Desserts in Boca Raton From Cannoli Kitchen

When you want to chow down on some of the finest Italian desserts in all of Boca Raton, look no further than Cannoli Kitchen. Cannoli Kitchen has provided many customers with quality service and ever more quality Italian cuisine. We’re more than confident that when you choose to dine at Cannoli Kitchen, you’ll be added to our growing list of satisfied customers as you enjoy indulging in our Italian desserts. For any inquiries, you may call us at 561-955-8880 or visit our contact page.

Sub Sandwich – Cannoli Kitchen of Boca Raton Menu Spotlight

sub sandwich in Boca Raton

The sub sandwich (submarine sandwich) is one of the heartiest meals you can order at an Italian restaurant. It’s also one of the most versatile ones as it can be made with nearly anything you want. Because of this, it can be said that such a food item will live well beyond our years of living. And if you’re craving one yourself, you might be interested to know that Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton can provide you with a sub sandwich.

If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful food item, continue reading below for a history lesson.

The Origins of the Sub Sandwich

There’s not enough evidence to indicate where this sandwich came from. All we know is that it originated here in the U.S and it was created by some Italian-Americans. Portland, Maine, however, claims to be the original birthplace of this popular Italian-American dish. And because it’s so popular in Portland, Maine residents sometimes refer to it as “Italians”.

Portland, Maine’s Story

The story of how it originated in Portland is this:

In the beginning of the 20th century, Italians were emigrating to New England in large masses. They were hired mostly to lay paving stones on streets or to work as longshoremen on the waterfront. One Italian in particular, however, Giovanni Amato, earned his living by selling freshly baked rolls from a pushcart to his countrymen working on the docks. Due to longshoremen’s requests, Giovanni would add some meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables, and thus, the “Italian Sandwich” was born.

It’s never stated when the first Italian Sandwich was sold, but experts agree that Giovanni started selling them in 1903. By the 1920s, Giovanni opened a shop where people would line up to get themselves this amazing sandwich.

The Sub Sandwich Lives On

In today’s modern world, most people refer to this popular sandwich as the “sub sandwich”, or simply just “sub.” You can expect many Italian restaurants to sell the sub sandwich, especially here in Boca Raton, at Cannoli Kitchen.

Because of its increased popularity, we, along with every other Italian restaurant, utilize the versatility of the sub sandwich by allowing customers to choose from a wide range of options.

You can get an Italian Meatball sub, a Philly Cheesesteak sub, and much more.

Get Your Sub Sandwich Today From Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton

If you’re in the mood for some quality sub sandwiches in Boca Raton, there’s no better place than Cannoli Kitchen. We’ve served countless customers over our years of service and we’re well experienced to give you the quality dining experience you need. We’re more than confident that when you choose our sub sandwiches, you’ll never want to get a sub from anywhere else. To place an order, you may call us at 561-955-8880 or visit our “order online” page HERE.

Tiramisu – Cannoli Kitchen Menu Spotlight

Tiramisu Boca Raton

It’s one of the sweetest desserts you can find in an Italian restaurant, and to many, it’s the best. Tiramisu is a layered cake that has been on menus for at least three decades. Most culinary chefs agree it’ll likely live on as a popular delicacy for years to come. Apart from their cannolis, Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton is notorious for its tiramisus. Many customers leave the restaurant satisfied as they’ve finished a heavy meal completed with cannolis and a small yet hearty serving of tiramisu. You can arguably say that tiramisu is one of the most popular desserts to exist in the Italian world of food. But what makes this dessert so good? And where does it originate?

What is tiramisu?

From Italian to English, tiramisu translates to “pick me up.” Tiramisu received its name due to the energy inducing ingredients in it: eggs, sugar, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Through a careful procedure of layering sweet custard (made with mascarpone cheese) and ladyfingers, tiramisu is able to receive its signature look.

At most Italian dinners, sweet fruits were eaten at the end of meals as opposed to desserts. The reason why is because desserts were reserved for special occasions and tiramisu would sometimes be used for the most luxurious of occasions.

While eating tiramisu, you can expect a lustrous palette of flavors entering your mouth. This is because tiramisu was created to encompass the flavors of many Italian regions. So when you’re eating tiramisu, you’re actually getting a small sample of what most of Italy’s food has to offer.

Tiramisu Origins

Tiramisu first boomed in America during the 1980s when it was first served in restaurants in San Francisco. Slowly but surely, the dessert would spread its domination from the west coast across all of America. But where did this sweet cake come from?

Supposedly, the earliest account of this food traces back to the town of Treviso, Italy. There it was created by the owners of a small restaurant named Le Beccherie. The owners, Alba and Ado Campeol, have expressed their regret in not patenting the name and recipe. Patenting the name didn’t just mean rightful ownership but also less speculation on the guesses of the origin and what the real recipe is. In an interview, Alba explained she received the idea for the dessert after the birth of one of her children. Alba’s infant step-child was weak in bed and so she concocted a dessert spiked with coffee to give the child energy.

Get Your Tiramisu in Boca Raton at Cannoli Kitchen

If you’re looking to get your tiramisu fix, come down to Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton. Cannoli Kitchen offers specialty Italian foods for you to enjoy and has a wide array of menu options to choose from. To place an order, call us at 561-955-8880 or visit our “order online” page HERE.

The History of The Calzone

The History of the Calzone

Many foods dominate the menus of various Italian restaurants. Spaghetti, lasagna, and, perhaps the most popular of them all, pizza. But there’s one item – an enigma so strange that it’s become popular on many Italian-American menus – that you might see being carried down the sidewalk by a random citizen. What you see being carried is simply known as the calzone or, if you wish to get technical about it, the handheld pizza. It’s a food item you’ve more than likely seen before; it’s been around for ages. But what’s the history of the calzone? Where did it come from and how did it come about? 

The Calzone Came From Naples, Italy

That’s right. The calzone came from the lovely Southern Italian city of Naples. Not surprised? Of course not; most Italian foods originate from – you guessed it – Italy. What might be surprising, though, is how old it is.

Although no specific date is determined, the history of the calzone goes back as far as the 18th century. Its moon-shaped design is believed to come from a pizza that was folded over and indicates that they weren’t meant to be eaten with utensils. In Italy, they’re typically sold by street vendors. Their pizza-like dough allows them to be portable and eaten on the go.

Calzones are traditionally stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, and marinara. But much like the pizza, any sort of toppings can be added inside the calzone. There are also many variations of it (the Philly cheesesteak calzone, as one example).

It’s very likely that the calzones made back in 18th century Naples were much smaller than today’s modern American ones. Some American Italian restaurants today will sell calzones that are big enough to feed a whole family. American Calzones will also usually be topped with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. They are also served sometimes with a side of marinara dipping sauce.

They Are Not Strombolis

They look the same, but they’re not the same. Strombolis are an American invention that came about back in the 1950s. They share similar ingredients but a stromboli’s ingredients are layered on a sheet of pizza dough and then rolled up into a rectangle. They are usually oven-baked or fried. Calzones are only oven-baked and are typically bigger.

Craving a Calzone? Come to Cannoli Kitchen West

If you’re looking to fill yourself with the finest calzone, or any Italian food for that matter, come on down to Cannoli Kitchen in Boca Raton. We offer a wide selection of traditional Italian foods for you to choose from and enjoy. For delivery, call us at 561-955-8880 or visit our “order online” page HERE.

Where Did Pizza Come From?

pizza places near me

As one of the world’s most popular foods, our pizza obsession is pretty intense. We eat pizza everywhere; at home, in restaurants and even on street corners. About three billion pizzas are sold each year in the United States alone, which is an average of 46 slices per person. Pizza is such a staple not only in our diets but also in our culture, but what many people might not know is where did pizza come from.

The History Of Pizza

People have been eating pizza, in one form or another, for centuries. Pizza has humble beginnings dating back to late 18th-century Naples when the city had become one of the largest in Europe. The booming population in Napes, fueled by overseas trade and a steady influx of peasants from the countryside, grew quickly and the urban economy struggled to keep pace. Many of the city’s inhabitants fell into poverty and were classed as the working poor or the lazzaroni because their ragged appearance resembled that of Lazarus. The lazzaroni were always on the go, searching for work, and they needed food that was cheap and easy to eat and pizza met that need.

Pizza was sold by street vendors carrying huge boxes under their arms. The slices of pizza would be cut to meet the customer’s budget and/or appetite. The simplest were topped with nothing more than garlic, lard, and salt while others included caciocavallo, a cheese made from horse’s milk, basil and tomatoes. For a long time, pizza was looked down upon and associated with the poor, working class. Only until the unification of Italy, when King Umberto and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889 and sampled an assortment of pizza, did it become popular throughout Italy. Despite this, pizza didn’t go beyond Naples’borders until the 1940s.

Pizza Makes World Domination

Pizza found its second home in America. Immigrants coming to the United States in the 1900s from Naples replicated their pizzas in New York and other American cities, including Trenton, New Haven, Boston, Chicago, and St. Louis. Relatively quickly, the flavors and aromas of pizza began to intrigue non-Neapolitans and non-Italians. As Italian-Americans and Italian cuisine migrated from city to suburb, east to the west coast, especially after World War II, pizza’s popularity in the United States soared. Today, pizza is not only a staple in Italy but has made its impact around the world as one of our favorite foods.

Pizza Places Near Me

If you have been searching for the best pizza places near you, then you need to try the pizza at Cannoli Kitchen. All of our pizzas are homemade and created with the highest quality of ingredients. We also offer pizza delivery in Boca Raton along with authentic Italian food. From traditional Sicilian pizza to chicken bacon ranch pizza, we have got it all. For Boca Raton pizza delivery, give us a call at 561-955-8880.

The Cannoli and It’s Rich History

Italian Restaurants In West Boca Raton

Besides tiramisu, is there any other Italian dessert as popular as the cannoli? The cannoli, the singular version being cannolo, is a Silician dessert that is believed to have come from the Palmero and Messina regions. Meaning “little tube” in Sicilian, the cannoli ranges in size from “cannulicchi”, which is no bigger than a finger to the fist-sized portions typically found in Palermo. Cannoli making is serious business in Sicily and for bakers, the quality and standards of their bakery can be judged solely on the basis of how good their cannoli is. As a strong symbol representing Italian heritage, the cannoli has a unique and rich history possibly dating back to the presence of the Moors in Sicily.

History Of The Cannoli

The history of the cannoli is a reflection of the variety of cultures and people that, throughout the centuries, have inhabited Sicily. As a staple of Sicilian cuisine, many people believe the cannoli originated in Sicily in Piana Degli Albanesi, but this traditional Italian dessert may possibly be traced back during the Arabic rule of the island, also known as the Emirate of Sicily. There are two tales surrounding the origin of cannolis. The first one takes place in an Arab prince’s harem inside his castle during the Arabic domination of the island. The emir’s many concubines spent their time creating luscious meals and delicious desserts, among them a cylinder-shaped pastry case filled with ricotta, almonds, and honey. The second tale takes place in a convent, outside of the castle, where nuns concocted a new type of pastry made of a shell called “scoria” with a filling of ricotta, sugar, chocolate, and almonds to celebrate Carnevale, which is a celebration that takes place in all of Italy before Lent begins.  

Whether it was concubines or nuns, historians believe that both legends have a seed of the truth and that the creation of the cannoli took place in or around the city of Caltanissetta between 827 and 1091. Historians also believe that this delicious dessert was also made by women. Many of the ingredients used in a cannoli are also of Arabic origin like sugar cane and almonds.

Traditional Cannoli Recipes

A traditional cannoli recipe consists of a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough, filled with sweet and creamy ricotta, candied fruit, and chocolate filling. The creamy, slightly tangy flavor of the ricotta is mellowed out by the sweet delicacy of the sugar and chocolate, while the crunchiness of the fried, light shell brings out this amazing symphony of flavors and textures.

Cannoli Recipe Variations

Italians immigrating to America during the early 1900s made adaptions to the original cannoli recipe due to the limited availability of certain ingredients like sheep’s milk ricotta so mascarpone was used instead. Today, there are many variations to the traditional cannoli recipe including chocolate, strawberry, and pecan caramel.

Cannolis Near Me

If you have been on the hunt for an authentic Italian cannoli in the South Florida area, then look no further because Cannoli Kitchen has got the hookup. Cannoli Kitchen is one of the best Italian restaurants in Boca Raton serving authentic Italian cuisine. We also specialize in making homemade traditional Italian desserts like cannolis, tiramisu, and cheesecake. To order your Boca Raton Italian food, call us today at 561-955-8880.