Sunday, March 13, 2011

Cannoli Cones - A fun dessert for my Dad!


I wanted a simple, yet really fun dessert to serve at my Dad's 70th birthday party we had this weekend. When I saw these cute cannoli cones Rachael Ray had made, I knew they would be perfect.  They looked pretty good, but I figured I'd take them up a notch.

Cannoli Cones
12 sugar ice cream cones
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. canola oil
15 oz. container whole milk ricotta
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a small microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and canola oil.  Microwave for 20 seconds at a time until chocolate is melted.  Stir and repeat until chocolate is melted.

Once chocolate is melted, dip rim of each cone in chocolate and place in a stand or a cardboard box with holes until completely dry.  I have a pastry bag holder, which worked perfectly.  Can make these the day ahead and then make and put the cream in the day you want to serve them.


Add whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a mixer and beat until firm.

Place ricotta in a bowl and fold in beaten whip cream.  Place the cream in a piping bag or a large plastic bag, cut the tip off and pipe into the cones.  I served mine with the following:

Mini chocolate chips
Chopped pistachios
Maraschino cherries with stems on

I don't know if I've ever introduced you to my Dad, he's quite a character; he calls himself O.G. it stands for old guy.  Don't look at me like that; he's the one who told us that is his nickname. Before he retired his co-workers gave it to him, and that's what we have been calling him ever since.


If you've ever wondered, "Just where does she get that adorable sense of humor?"  Well I guess the saying is true, "The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree".

We had so much fun, ate a ton, and laughed lots.  Happy 70th Birthday Daddy, we love you!  Make this simple dessert and have some fun with your family.

My kids just went out on Spring break and I've decided to join them and have a little fun for the next two weeks, I'm looking forward to catching up with all of you very soon.

Enjoy,

Gina

35 comments:

  1. Such a fun dessert and so beautifully illustrated!!

    Enjoy your Spring break - and best wishes to the OG!

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  2. Happy Birthday to your Dad - he looks like my kind of guy!

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  3. delicious dessert happy birthday to your dad

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  4. That is the cutest dessert...and I'm sure it tastes heavenly, Gina! Have a wonderful break while your kids are on Spring Break. Can't wait to hear about it when you're back!!!

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  5. Your Dad and the kids look like they are having great fun. Hope there are many happy years to come.

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  6. Happy Birthday to your Dad !!!
    The cones sound like a great dessert party idea.
    love the cherry on top.
    thanks for sharing Gina

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  7. What a fun dessert. It looks like the party was a blast. Wishing your Dad a very happy birthday.

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  8. That is really adorable! Your dad looks like a fun guy to have around! Happy Birthday to him!

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  9. Happy B day to your dad..Those cones look amazing, you are one creative woman!

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  10. Happy birthday to your dad. These cannli cones are amazing. Look and sound delicious! :) Have fun on your spring break with the kiddos!

    Amy
    http://utry.it

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  11. Gina, what a gorgeous treat!!! Happy birthday to the OG...he is too cute~

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  12. What a great ice treat! Happy Birthday to your dad!

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  13. Awesome treat! I love this idea.

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  14. Those are such a great idea! Seriously, so genius! Who wouldn't want a cannoli cone!?

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  15. Gina, wow, you're making me hungry and i'm starting to drool over my laptop now!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, sorry for my late response and being m.i.a.

    So glad to have now discovered your blog though, Food, yum, recipes, yum, great photography - awesome!

    Hope your dad a fab time!

    x.o.x.o

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  16. Oh, Gina, these are so cute. Just perfect for a 70th b-day, and someone who is a kid at heart. I'm sure that they taste as good as look.

    Congratulations on winning Dorie's Cookbook from the Chef!

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  17. I ADORE your dad! You can tell so much about his personality from that picture. Did he happen to steal the hat from Chef Dennis? I think he has one like that, no?

    Your cannoli look perfect for a party. I want to make them for our Saturday group. Thanks for passing this along!

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  18. It's so nice Gina, that you are sharing your precious family photo with us. Your dad is so sweet, and his personality shines through. Looks like he is having such a fun time with his grandchildren, which is so beautiful to see.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your dad...cherish the good times!
    Love what you did with the ice cream cones...such a yummy, and fun dessert you created.
    xoxo

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  19. Happy Birthday to your dad! Love the picture of him :o) The cannoli cones are such a cute and fun idea, perfect for a party!
    Enjoy your spring break :o)

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  20. Happy Birthday to your daddy! He sounds like a really fun guy, and it's great that you share the sense of humor :) The cannoli cones are so adorable, what a fun treat. You always have the best party ideas, you should do it professionally.

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  21. These are wonderfully fanciful and sweet ... and celebratory. And I would like one, please. Happy birthday to your Dad!

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  22. Awesome! These look like so much fun. What a great treat for a birthday party - especially a 70th!

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  23. OG looks like he knows how to have fun and that's what it's all about! Love his rasta hat! And your cannoli cones are so festive! You are the party queen :)

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  24. Happy Birthday to your dad...lucks like everybody is having such fun...and wow with the cannoli cones, very creative :)

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  25. Happy Birthday to your Dad;-)
    I think these cones would be fun at any party and they are very creative. I remember an old Betty Crocker cook book for children that had a photo of an upside down cone decorated like a clown and I thought it was the coolest thing- I think these are a bit more sophisticated but still very cool;-)

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  26. Happy Birthday to your dad!
    How cute are those cannoli cones?! I love cannoli and these are such a creative spin on cannoli. Love it! :)

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  27. Love your dad! So adorable! These are fantastic, Gin!! I adore cannoli...need to make these w/the kids:)Great idea!!Buon Compleanno to your sweet daddy!

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  28. These are so cute!!! Perfect for a party. I have to keep this on the list as I'm compiling finger food recipes.

    The hat..isn't it the same one that Dennis wore at FoodBuzz Festival? That's hilarious!

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  29. WOW!Gina you are so creative; I just love coming to visit you and learing something clever to do with food. thank you for sharing.
    Rita

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  30. Love it!! Happy birthday to your dad!! I love OG...I thought original gangsta hehe :) I love the filling for the cannooli cones- looks delicious!

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  31. Hy Gina,

    wonderful post...love your presentation..happy b day to your loving Dad.
    Am your new follower now..:)
    do stop by mine sometime..
    Tasty appetite

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  32. Thanks everyone, I passed on all your wishes to my dad. Sommer, I thought that's what he meant the first time I heard it too! lol
    Yes, Chef D has the same hat, my sister thought it was too funny and had to get one for my dad.

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  33. Gina...your dad seems just precious. I'm not surprised that you come from such good stock! And I just love these festive birthday cones. I wish you could come and make me my birthday treat! Thank you for sharing this with me. I'm drooling! I hope you have a wonderful Saturday! And Happy Birthday to your dad!

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  34. Cute dessert to your dad. Please wish him from me.

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  35. These are adorable!!! I will have to try them out with my kids.

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