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Deconstructed Cannoli

Deconstructed Cannoli

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We are big coffee drinkers, and enjoy staying in the know as to what is the latest trends.  Last month we were invited to a coffee tasting at the Nespresso Boutique in San Francisco to learn about their new products.  We also got to sample their coffees, particularly two new releases the Palermo and the Milano.   After enjoying the Palermo that morning, I immediately knew I needed something sweet as well as Sicilian to serve alongside it.  This recipe for a Deconstructed Cannoli is the perfect companion.

Deconstructed Cannoli

If you have never been to a Nespresso Boutique, you should add it to your must-do list.  You can find boutiques throughout the world, and if the other locations are anything like San Francisco, you are in for a luxurious treat.  The first floor is flooded with light, a beautiful decor, and the aroma of coffee enticing you to linger a little bit longer.  

The second floor was dark and sexy, and is where you can indulge your shopping whims;  all things Nespresso can be found here.  Ladies, I can see spending a morning shopping in Union Square and then popping over for an afternoon of coffee, sweets, and conversation.

Nespresso-1

 

Nespresso-2

 

Nespresso-3

 

Nespresso

I was very interested to learn more about Nespresso as it is a pod system coffee maker, which is typically something we do not use.  Until now!  While I love a great cup of coffee, and the ritual of getting to the point of sitting down and enjoying it, I always want to learn about other options.  

There are two things I look for when buying coffee, where the beans come from, and how a company helps the farmers of these countries.  As well, I am concerned with waste, being sustainable, and recycling.  One reason I have not switched over to pods is that they typically are not recyclable.  I was very interested in learning about these areas during our coffee tasting, and they must be hot topics with Nespresso as we started out over a casual coffee conversation talking about waste and being sustainable in a coffee world.

Nespresso has a program called the AAA Sustainable Quality Program which was launched in 2003. The program engages expertise with sustainable farming and the livelihoods of the farmers who grow the beans, with the Rainforest Alliance, which is a leading non-profit conservation organization. They are focused on quality and community, not only profit. At the end of 2014, the AAA program counted over 63,000 coffee farmers in 11 coffee-growing countries.

Recycling is also important to Nespresso and they offer collection points throughout the areas they sell coffee as well as doorstep collection in some regions. I was more than happy to learn that Nespresso is doing their part in making an effort in keeping helping our environment.

After a discussion on the different beans and blends of coffee pods that Nespresso offers, Karsten Ranitzch, Head of Coffee, showed us the proper way to taste a cup of coffee.  

First, it is important to smell the coffee as it warms your cup and to appreciate the creme.  The creme is that rich golden caramel layer that is on top of a cup of espresso.  As you stir the creme, the aroma becomes more enticing.  Coffee is like wine, you need to breathe in, then drink by slurping from a spoon.  It was really fun actually watching everyone get into it, while enjoying a lovely cup of espresso.

Nespresso

 

Nespresso

Nespresso was excited to introduce us to two of their new coffees, the Palermo and the Milano. Both capsules are limited edition and pay tribute to Italy and Sicily. I loved the Palermo as I am a huge fan of a good strong coffee. What was exciting about this coffee was how smooth it was, without any bitterness; it had hints of caramel and spicy undertones. Immediately I thought of something sweet and creamy to enjoy with my espresso.

Mr. Ranitzch was engaging in a conversation with us about food pairings and mentioned that cannoli is the perfect companion for the Palermo.  My mind immediately went to work at developing the perfect cannoli.

This recipe evolved over the past month and became this luscious Deconstructed Cannoli recipe. While I like cannoli, I tend to shy away from the ones in the US as they are overly sweet and the shells can be greasy. This recipe is the complete opposite.

I used ricotta as well as mascarpone cheese to create a rich and creamy texture that is only lightly sweetened. I added vanilla, candied orange peels, and my favorite go-to secret ingredients cocoa nibs which enhances the creamy flavor of the Italian cheeses.  Instead of serving in a shell, I crushed amaretti cookies over the top. It is the perfect companion for the Palermo espresso.

Nespresso

When I walked away from my Monday morning at Nespresso, I had a better understanding of the company and their product offerings as well as an appreciation for what they are doing with local coffee farmers as well as their brand. I was impressed with the quality of the coffee as well as the ease of using their machines.

I feel confident suggesting Nespresso to our readers as well as loved ones. I am thinking a Nespresso machine and coffee would be a great addition to Thanksgiving entertaining. Wouldn’t one of their machines make the ultimate holiday gift for someone special!

More Photos

Deconstructed Cannoli

Tips:

  • Use whole milk ricotta and low-fat versions tend to separate when mixed with other ingredients.
  • Serve with Nespresso Palermo espresso.

Tools:

  • Mixer
  • Mixing Bowl with paddle attachment
  • Small serving bowls
  • Recipe:  Deconstructed Cannoli

Recipe: Deconstructed Cannoli

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk ricotta
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/8 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 1/2 tablespoons minced candied orange peel
1/2 cup cocoa nibs
a hand full of amaretti cookies, light crushed

How To

In a mixing bowl whip together the ricotta and mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in the sugar along with the vanilla and mix together.
Fold the orange peel and cocoa nibs into the cheese mixture.
Spoon evenly between 4 small bowls.
Sprinkle the crushed cookies over the top.
Serve.
Eat.

More Cannoli Inspired Recipes

Creamy Cannoli Dip

Pumpkin Cannoli

Sicilian Cannoli

*** Disclaimer Nespresso supplied us with a coffee maker and coffee, as well as inviting us to the coffee tasting event;  but did not require us to write about it.  This write-up as well as photos and all opinions belong to us.

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Beth @ Eat Within Your Means

Saturday 27th of February 2016

This is such a well-done review, Denise. I am now anxious to try out an Nespresso (although where I would put it is the question), even though I am definitely a coffee snob and prefer to make it myself. Maybe I could convince my K-cup loving family members to switch to Nespresso and then they wouldn't mock me so much for my snobbiness. :)

nicole @ I am a Honey Bee

Saturday 27th of February 2016

we just got a nespresso in my office. I have to give it a try one day. and great dessert

Wanda Lopez

Friday 26th of February 2016

This is an amazing dessert, beautiful and so easy to make. Love the deconstructed cannoli idea, brilliant.

Serena (Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch)

Thursday 25th of February 2016

I love Cannoli and deconstructed is all the better! Can't wait to try this!

Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet

Thursday 25th of February 2016

This is BRILLIANT {and beautiful}! I mean seriously ... who has time to make constructed cannoli? :P Pinned and making soon for sure. :)