Daring Bakers Challenge : Cannoli
I should first confess that I baked my cannoli. I’ve made plenty of cannoli before, but never at home due to my no-deep-frying-at-home policy (partly because I dread having to do the requisite post-fry clean up).
So, baked cannoli. Despite this, they actually turned out pretty well. The shells may have lacked that wonderful bit of blistering you get from frying, but they were slightly puffy and acceptably crunchy. A step up from the vast difference between oven chips and fried chips, if you will.
The resulting cannoli formed part of a dessert that played on the flavours of avocado, vegemite and toast; three ingredients which are one of my favourite ways to start the morning. How I came about the idea of incorporating them into a dessert, is a bit long winded and would probably require a flowchart to accurately re-tell. So I’m not going to.
Instead, I thought I would distract you with a recollection of my first avocado experience. Growing up, avocados were considered pretty exotic, so it was only when I was at least 10 that I tried my first avocado. It being the 80’s (that was the excuse anyway), mom served it to us sliced, with scoops of store-bought vanilla ice-cream. It was so horrible, I think I tried to hide the slices underneath the pool of melted ice-cream, and it was many years later before I finally realised how delicious avocados were.
Meanwhile, back at the cannoli factory…
I filled the cannoli shells with a vegemite chocolate ganache and paired them with a scoop of avocado ice-cream and some twisty chocolate tuiles for extra crunch. The avocado ice-cream recipe comes from The Perfect Scoop, by David Leibovitz. Following David’s recommendation to pour espresso over the ice-cream, I decided to incorporate coffee into the dessert, in the form of a crumble.
As with most first attempts, this is a tasty dish that would require a few changes if I were to make it again. And you know what, I just might make it again!
The November 2009 Daring Bakers Challenge was chosen and hosted by Lisa Michele of Parsley, Sage, Desserts and Line Drives. She chose the Italian Pastry, Cannolo (Cannoli is plural), using the cookbooks Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and The Sopranos Family Cookbook by Allen Rucker; recipes by Michelle Scicolone, as ingredient/direction guides. She added her own modifications/changes, so the recipe is not 100% verbatim from either book.
Thanks Lisa Michele, for picking such a versatile and interesting challenge this month!
Tags: avocado, cannoli, chocolate, Daring Bakers, ice-cream, plated dessert, vegemite
VeggieGirl said,
November 27, 2009 @ 5:28 am
Looks fabulous to me!
Rosa said,
November 27, 2009 @ 7:04 am
What a fabulous presentation! Your creations are always stunning! Another perfect challenge!
Cheers,
Rosa
Audax Artifex said,
November 27, 2009 @ 7:22 am
I’m stunned what can you say about Vegemite ganache cannoli with avocado ice-cream and coffee it is one of my fav and it fact it is so strange I’m having vegemite toast with avocado right now reading your posting weird strange indeed. And the most beautiful photos I have seen of cannoli love that colour of the avocado ice cream. Cheers from Audax in Sydney. Love those chocolate twists and curls. Bravo bravo bravo great you did baked canolli. Wonderful you did an Aussie version with vegemite.
parsnips aplenty said,
November 27, 2009 @ 7:31 am
I’m on the “hate it” side of the love it/hate it stance with Vegemite. I’d love to get your recipe for this ganache – it sounds like the kind of thing that would give me a new perspective on it!
Trissa said,
November 27, 2009 @ 7:32 am
Vegemite and chocolate? I would have never thought of that – but then again, I would have never thought of chocolate and olive oil and it seems to be a hit too! I love the fact that you baked them – smart woman unlike us who slaved away infront of the deep fat fryer! How long did you bake them for and what temp? Thanks!!
Steph said,
November 27, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Yep I totally understand your no deep-fry at home policy. I laid down towels on the floor and foil all over my stove top to avoid having to clean up too much oil afterwards! Loving the flavour combination, I want to try making that avocado ice cream so badly now!
Cakelaw said,
November 27, 2009 @ 8:44 am
Vegemite chocolate ganache filled cannoli with avocado icecream – sounds great to me! So pretty with all the swirly chocolate and greens and browns.
Linda@eatshowandtell said,
November 27, 2009 @ 9:02 am
Wow Y, you are super dooper creative. I would never thought to put vegemite and Avocado together, but I can imagine how well it would taste. I also like the fact that different components had a different texture, making it easier to identify what’s where. Talk about a flavour and texture explosion, I think ur Cannoli might just take the cake. I love the little edible flowers =D
Minh said,
November 27, 2009 @ 9:04 am
Oh Y, your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I love the touch of the little flowers and the chocolate strings!
Hilda said,
November 27, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Awesome. It looks so crazy and curly, I love it. I’ve only ever had vegemite once, and I think it was about a half a teaspoon so I don’t even remember what it tastes like, isn’t that funny? The shells look like they might be delicately fried if there were such a thing (even though they’re baked). Brilliant as usual. =)
courtney aka glamah said,
November 27, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Brilliant, creative, inspiring. Outstanding presentation. I guess I have to revisit vegemite.
Hannah said,
November 27, 2009 @ 11:50 am
Now that’s a flavor combination I wasn’t expecting! Very creative… And I do love that plating. Smart of you to bake them instead of fry; Wish I had gone that route too.
felicia said,
November 27, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
i love the way you presented it!
interesting combination
you’re making me really hungry right now..
Lovliebutterfly said,
November 27, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
Very nice presentation! Yum! Very interesting!
alice said,
November 27, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Beautiful again!!
I love avocado ice cream! The same can’t be said for my family, who I made it for once. Vegemite chocolate ganache … wow.
YW said,
November 27, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Great presentation!! Love vegemite love avocado, but I’ve never thought of putting them together before
shaz said,
November 27, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Those chocolate tuiles are so divine! Ha ha, the first time I tried “exotic” avocado , I too was disappointed
Absolutely gorgeous as usual Y.
Helen (Grab Your Fork) said,
November 27, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Baked cannoli? What a great idea. And I remember the first time I tried avocado too – it was at home in a salad and I was mortified by the crazy butteriness. Now I love ‘em, although I’ve yet to have them with ice cream, only in avocado shakes. That may well chance very soon
Karen said,
November 27, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Stunning as usual! If you do make it again, don’t forget to call me over ;P
Tartelette said,
November 27, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
You have no idea how I would love tho sink my teeth into one serving of this! The combination has to be awesome. I love the avocado ice cream from David!
sheba said,
November 27, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
Im AWED!!
Asha@FSK said,
November 27, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
Beautiful!!!
) Awesome flavor combinations! I wanted to bake mine but din’t really get the time and just fried them all.. next batch – to be baked… 
Ellie said,
November 27, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
Brava! Awesome!! Love the flavour combinations, presentation, beautiful pictures. I thought about baking the shells but hubby stopped me from doing it. He wanted the real deal.
Arwen from Hoglet K said,
November 27, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
The chocolate tuiles look very classy. I’ve only had sweet avocado recently in a Lebanese avocado shake, but I can see why it wasn’t great with a bowl of icecream. I like the way this dessert brings you full circle.
Manggy said,
November 27, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
Very imaginative, though despite Duncan’s best efforts I still can’t get a good handle on what Vegemite tastes like
It does look beautiful, though. Love the abstract chocolate shapes 
nina said,
November 27, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
That is definitely taking cannoli’s to a whole new level!! Shoo, you are so creative!!!!
Alli said,
November 27, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Stunning Y, an so very creative with your flavours.
Inner Pickle said,
November 27, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
That’s just insane! Really? Vegemite and Avocado? Trying it tomorrow. xxx
Anita said,
November 27, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Interesting flavour combination. Love the presentation!
Sophie said,
November 27, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
What an original & beautiful presentation, Y!
MMMMMMMMMMMM,…I would totally indulge myself into this wonderful dessert!!
Congrats!
Kiki at Operation Icing said,
November 28, 2009 @ 12:05 am
Beautiful presentation, as always! I’d have never thought of vegemite and chocolate as I don’t really like vegemite, but I’m interested to try it now.. hmm.
Gala said,
November 28, 2009 @ 12:11 am
I thought of baking mine too….but then I fried…oh well.
Love the plating!
Lauren said,
November 28, 2009 @ 1:54 am
Gorgeous Y! I love the way you plated them – its breathtaking!
Marija said,
November 28, 2009 @ 3:11 am
You are amazing as always!
Nice to see a post from you. You haven’t posted in a while
sara said,
November 28, 2009 @ 3:57 am
Wow, this looks amazing! What a great presentation.
Glad to hear that the baked cannoli turned out well…I may have to try those next time!
Thip said,
November 28, 2009 @ 6:58 am
Interesting Y. How did u make the tuile? pipe then bake?
Thip said,
November 28, 2009 @ 6:59 am
Interesting Y.
How did u make the tuiel?
vibi said,
November 28, 2009 @ 7:14 am
Just like a work of abstract art… very Picasso… totally Kandinsky! Bravissima, Lemonpi!
erin said,
November 28, 2009 @ 9:00 am
This sounds amazing! I love the idea of vegemite added to a dessert. Also, I LOVE avocados. Is there anything better than a perfectly ripe avocado?
Julia @ Mélanger said,
November 28, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Y – you have done it again. I had to come here first to see all the DB posts. Or perhaps I should have left it to the end? You always inject such originality into the challenges. This month? Well, I’m floored with your flavour combination. But intrigued…..I do adore vegemite, avocado and toast, too!
I’m sooooo looking forward to next month’s challenge!
Aparna said,
November 28, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I have to confess that I have no idea what vegemite is! But I always enjoy seeing how you intepret the DB challenges and ‘m not disappointed. Looks lovely.
Can’t wait to see what you and Lisa are going to unleash on us.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said,
November 28, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Even though I don’t like Vegemite I’d so try this because you made it!
anda said,
November 28, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
Wonderful plating and stunning combination. I would gladly do a taste test.
Cannelle Et Vanille said,
November 28, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
I’d love to taste this Y!
art and lemons said,
November 29, 2009 @ 2:01 am
As a vegemite fan, I have to try this surprising flavor combo. Gorgeous photos too!
cakebrain said,
November 29, 2009 @ 3:42 am
Ordinarily, I don’t touch vegemite. Once was enough. However, since you made this, I may have to reconsider. You make everything look so delicious!
The Purple Foodie said,
November 29, 2009 @ 4:52 am
You always, always make something totally stunning for the Daring Bakers’. I love coming here and getting inspired by you.
Lisa said,
November 29, 2009 @ 5:39 am
Vegemite chocolate ganache, twisty chocolate tuiles and avocado ice cream? WOW, definitely one of the most unique cannoli in this challenge and absolutely beautiful! You really know how to gussy up even the simplest of treats..plus, your presentaion/plating is stunning as always! I’m continually blown away by your talent! Thanks for deep fry…ummm..baking with me this month! They look amazing!!
Su-yin said,
November 29, 2009 @ 5:54 am
I completely agree with you about deep frying, I tend to bake anything that requires deep frying.
This looks gorgeous though, I especially love the chocolate swirly design you used to decorate the plate. Am intrigued by the avocado ice cream by the way!
kellypea said,
November 29, 2009 @ 9:30 am
So beautiful! I was thinking about trying baking as well. Amazing combo of flavors and presentation. Really inspirational. Now to get on with mine :/
ATigerintheKitchen said,
November 29, 2009 @ 9:34 am
What beautiful, beautiful pictures!!! Congrats…
Laura said,
November 29, 2009 @ 11:15 am
Y, this dish looks beautiful and it must taste delicious! I will have to try avocado ice cream, and I have the book. The first time I tried avocado, it was in Italy and they weren’t haas, but some other variety and I seriously gagged, now I love them. I didn’t make the challenge despite the fact that I made both the dough and the filling. I run out of time before we left for out little Thanksgiving trip. Oh well…
Jane said,
November 29, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
I never would have guessed they are baked–they are really beautiful! Your photos are just incredible. Very lovely indeed!
Jane
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said,
November 29, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
It’s great to hear that these still taste relatively good without the deep-frying. I love your unique combination of flavors here. I used to work in a Chinese restaurant that served bubble teas including a fresh-avocado flavor. It was pretty good, so I’d definitely give avocado ice cream a go.
grace said,
November 29, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
your cannolis are grand–they look properly crispy and the filling would be awesome. i think tossing on some avocado ice cream was the very best idea of all–bravo, y!
Cheri said,
November 30, 2009 @ 5:15 am
That is absolutely stunning! I am loving how the pale green and brown play off eachother. Your plating and presentation are breathtaking.
chef_d said,
November 30, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
beautiful plating. and interesting flavor
Ivonne said,
November 30, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Wow … vegemite and avocado and cannoli. You are ambitious! I love that you baked the cannoli … I’m not the biggest fan of frying due to the post-frying mess either so I’m glad to see baking was successful. Nicely done!
anna said,
November 30, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
Ooh, it’s so pretty! I love the tuiles. I’m a little avocado-shy…aside from buried deep within veggie sushi I’ve only had it once, on its own, and I couldn’t stand it. Maybe it wasn’t a very good one…I just didn’t enjoy the buttery texture with the bland greenish taste. ?
Natalie said,
November 30, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Absolutely superb job! I love your presentation!
Natalie @ Gluten A Go Go
Forager said,
November 30, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
Your creations are always so beautiful! Like art, sweet, delicious art.
lauresophie said,
December 3, 2009 @ 6:57 am
Good luck! great picture and recipe! Can I have a bite??
Caitlin said,
December 3, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
Intriguing, to say the least, Y. Vegemite has yet to enter my household, and it makes me a bit wary. But avocado + chocolate + coffee? Yep, I’m all for that!
frogpondsrock said,
December 6, 2009 @ 8:20 am
A vegemite ganache hmm? I am not too sure about that one.
Though I will admit that I haven’t had vegemite with my avocados on toast. I generally have capsicum,tomato and yoghourt. I will give it a try though.
I found your blog via a top 50 list done by Veronica of http://somedaywewillsleep.com. And after trawling through endless ezine types your blog is a lovely surprise. I have put you in my reader.
cheers Kim
clumbsycookie said,
December 6, 2009 @ 8:57 am
What a fun dessert Y! If you haven’t told they were baked, I don’t think I would have guessed!
Vera said,
December 12, 2009 @ 8:54 am
You are a Queen of plated desserts, Y! Stunning!
fairy_mi said,
December 13, 2009 @ 1:54 am
Wtg for the beautiful and original performance for the challenge!
Lovely presentation
and your photographs are always a pleasure to watch
Wtg!
And greetings from Israel
Inbal
(also a DB)
Beth said,
January 14, 2010 @ 8:26 am
beautifully presented!