Decadent Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli

Cannoli, those iconic fried pastry tubes filled with a lusciously sweetened ricotta mixture, stand as a true testament to the art of Italian dessert making. At their best, they offer an unbelievably delightful culinary experience; at their worst, they might just convince you that cannoli aren’t for you! But fear not! This comprehensive guide provides a foolproof method to create exquisite Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli, boasting a rich, creamy filling encased in perfectly crisp shells. This easy homemade recipe is designed to guarantee success, transforming any occasion into a celebration. Whether you’re craving a special treat for yourself or preparing a grand batch for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or any special event, these cannoli are sure to impress and satisfy!

Craving more authentic Italian dessert sensations? Explore our other delightful recipes like Homemade Lemon Cream Gelato or these irresistible Homemade Almond Biscotti (Italian Cantucci).

Authentic Cannoli: Origins and Regional Variations

Cannoli are more than just a dessert; they are a piece of Italian history, tracing their origins back to the enchanting island of Sicily between the 7th and 9th centuries. This period marked a significant era when Sicily was under Arab rule, a time that profoundly influenced the island’s culinary landscape. The Arabs introduced new ingredients and spices, such as sugar and cinnamon, which quickly became staples in Sicilian cooking and, eventually, integral to the cannoli as we know it today.

Initially, cannoli held a special place in Sicilian culture, traditionally prepared and enjoyed during Carnivale, a festive period leading up to Lent. These celebratory pastries were a symbol of indulgence before a time of fasting. Over centuries, their irresistible charm transcended seasonal boundaries, transforming cannoli into a year-round delicacy. Today, they are cherished not only as a dessert but also, in some parts of Italy, as a delightful breakfast item, often paired with a strong espresso.

Authentic Sicilian cannoli boast distinct regional variations, each reflecting local traditions and available ingredients. Common to all, however, are the wonderfully crunchy and crispy fried pastry shells and the creamy ricotta cheese filling. Historically, the ricotta used in Sicily was crafted from sheep’s or goat’s milk, offering a richer, tangier flavor. While this remains true in many traditional Sicilian bakeries, cow’s milk ricotta has become widely accepted and used worldwide due to its accessibility. The sweetness of the filling can come from sugar or honey, adding another layer of regional preference.

Beyond the basic ricotta, Sicilian variations often include delightful additions. Some regions are known for incorporating finely chopped pistachios, lending a subtle nutty flavor and vibrant green hue. Others favor candied orange peel or cherries, providing bursts of fruity sweetness and a nod to the island’s abundant citrus. And, of course, mini chocolate chips or shavings are a beloved addition, offering a touch of rich cocoa. You can also find them in their simplest form, showcasing just the sweetened ricotta, sometimes elegantly dusted with powdered sugar.

As this beloved treat traveled beyond Italian borders, it naturally evolved, giving rise to countless international interpretations. Today, cannoli can be found with an astounding array of fillings, from various creams and fruits to unconventional flavors, solidifying its status as one of Italy’s most cherished and globally recognized desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Orange Cannoli Recipe

This Chocolate Orange Cannoli recipe is designed for both seasoned bakers and eager beginners, promising not just a dessert but an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Super Easy to Make! Forget the intimidation often associated with traditional cannoli. Our recipe simplifies the process, especially by recommending ready-made cannoli shells. The filling comes together quickly with minimal effort, making gourmet cannoli achievable in your own kitchen. This is truly a foolproof method for a beautiful and delicious result.
• Absolutely Delicious! The star of this recipe is the incredible flavor combination: the rich, creamy ricotta filling is perfectly balanced with fragrant orange zest and subtle notes of chocolate. Each bite offers a delightful textural contrast between the crisp pastry shell and the smooth, decadent filling, leaving an unforgettable impression.
• Perfect to Make Ahead. Planning a party? The cannoli filling can be prepared days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The shells can also be kept at room temperature. Simply assemble them right before serving, ensuring maximum freshness and crispness, which is ideal for effortless entertaining.
• Great for a Dinner Party or Crowd. Cannoli are inherently elegant and festive. This recipe yields a generous batch, making it perfect for sharing. You can use standard-sized shells for a classic presentation or opt for mini cannoli shells to create charming bite-sized treats that are easy for guests to enjoy at large gatherings.
• Requires Just a Few Key Ingredients. Despite its sophisticated flavor, this recipe relies on readily available ingredients found at any well-stocked grocery store. No obscure items are needed, making this a convenient dessert to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Orange Cannoli

Crafting delicious homemade cannoli filling starts with quality ingredients. This recipe prioritizes fresh, straightforward components that are easily accessible, ensuring a delightful outcome every time. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this irresistible Italian dessert:

• Ricotta Cheese: This is the heart of your cannoli filling, so its quality is paramount. Always opt for the best whole milk ricotta you can find. Whole milk ricotta offers a creamier, richer texture and a more authentic flavor compared to part-skim varieties. Draining the ricotta beforehand is crucial to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery filling and ensuring a perfectly thick, stable consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: We recommend taking an extra step to pulse your granulated sugar in a spice grinder or mini food processor. This transforms it into a superfine consistency, allowing it to dissolve much more easily and completely into the ricotta mixture. This ensures a silky-smooth, crystal-free filling, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Ground Cinnamon: A subtle yet essential traditional ingredient in cannoli. Just a touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements the creamy ricotta and orange flavors without overpowering them.
• Vanilla Extract: While not always traditional in historical Sicilian recipes, a high-quality vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) is a wonderfully tasty addition. It heightens the overall sweetness and complexity of the filling, adding a familiar and comforting aroma.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This ingredient, while not traditionally used in Sicily, is a game-changer in our recipe. A small amount of mascarpone cheese significantly enhances the filling’s texture, making it incredibly creamier, smoother, and adding a decadent richness that is simply irresistible. It helps bind the filling and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: Another non-traditional addition that makes a noticeable difference. A touch of heavy cream lightens the texture of the filling just enough, giving it an airy, melt-in-your-mouth quality that prevents it from feeling too dense. It contributes to the desired light and creamy consistency.
• Chocolate: For that classic touch and delightful crunch, we use mini chocolate chips or finely shaved chocolate from a semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bar. The size of the chocolate pieces is important; smaller pieces integrate better and ensure chocolate in every bite.
• Fresh Orange Zest: As a beautiful homage to the traditional Sicilian cannoli, which often feature candied orange or other candied fruits, we incorporate fresh orange zest. We particularly love Cara Cara oranges for their slightly pink hue and sweet, less acidic flavor, but any orange variety will yield delicious results. The zest, the outermost layer of the orange peel, is packed with flavorful oils that infuse the filling with a vibrant, aromatic orange essence, pairing perfectly with the chocolate.
• Cannoli Shells: For ultimate convenience and to make this dessert truly “easy homemade,” we strongly recommend using premade cannoli shells. We personally favor THIS brand from Italy for their authentic crispness and flavor. However, if you’re an ambitious baker eager to make them from scratch, we suggest trying this recipe for truly homemade shells.
• Powdered Sugar: An optional but highly recommended finishing touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the filled cannoli right before serving adds an elegant visual appeal and a delicate touch of sweetness.

Clever Substitutions & Flavor Variations

While our Chocolate Orange Cannoli recipe is designed for perfection, sometimes you might want to customize it to your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some excellent substitutions and additional flavor ideas:

• Chocolate Alternatives: Our recipe calls for bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, offering a balanced cocoa flavor. However, you can easily adapt this:
  • For a sweeter profile, substitute with **milk chocolate** chips or shavings.
  • For a richer, more intense cocoa experience, opt for a higher percentage **dark chocolate**.
  • If you prefer a unique, creamy sweetness, **white chocolate** can be used.
  • For a deeper chocolate flavor and a slightly darker filling, you can fold in 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened **cocoa powder** along with the other filling ingredients.
• Sugar Swap: If you’re looking for an alternative to granulated sugar, **honey** is a traditional Sicilian sweetener for cannoli. If using honey, reduce the amount to about ½ cup, as honey is generally sweeter than sugar. Adjust to taste.
• Extract Explorations: While vanilla extract provides a classic warmth, you can experiment with other extracts to create a distinct flavor profile:
  • Almond extract offers a nutty, slightly bitter note that pairs beautifully with ricotta. Use sparingly, as it’s quite potent (start with ¼ teaspoon).
  • A hint of **pistachio extract** could amplify a green-hued filling.
  • For a more intense orange flavor, a tiny drop of **orange extract** can be added in addition to or in place of some zest, but be cautious as extracts can be very strong.
• Liqueur Infusion: For an adult twist, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite liqueur to the filling. Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or even a hint of rum could provide a sophisticated flavor dimension.

How to Master Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli is a surprisingly simple process, especially when armed with a few clever techniques. While our recipe incorporates a couple of non-traditional additions to the filling (mascarpone and heavy cream) for an exceptionally light and creamy texture that we adore, the overall method remains incredibly approachable. With our clear, step-by-step instructions and practical tips, you’ll be able to bring together this impressive dessert in no time, ensuring a delicious outcome that everyone will rave about!

Essential Equipment for Homemade Cannoli

To make the process of creating these exquisite cannoli as smooth and enjoyable as possible, a few key pieces of equipment are highly recommended. These tools will help you achieve the perfect creamy filling and effortless assembly:

• Food Processor: This is truly the secret weapon that makes our cannoli recipe so incredibly easy and quick! A food processor is invaluable for achieving that super smooth, lump-free ricotta filling that is the hallmark of a great cannoli. It whips the ricotta and seamlessly blends all the ingredients into a perfectly creamy consistency in minutes.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: An absolute necessity for this recipe. Excess liquid is the primary enemy of a perfectly textured cannoli filling. Using a fine mesh strainer allows you to effectively drain the ricotta, removing unwanted moisture for at least 30 minutes, or ideally several hours, resulting in a much thicker and more stable filling that won’t make your shells soggy.
• Spice Grinder or Mini Food Processor (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, a spice grinder or mini food processor is a fantastic tool for transforming regular granulated sugar into superfine sugar. This finer sugar dissolves much more quickly and completely into the ricotta filling, contributing to that desirable smooth, non-gritty texture.
• Large Bowl: For mixing and combining the final elements of your filling.
• Spatula: Essential for gently folding in the chocolate chips and orange zest.
• Piping Bag (or large zip-top plastic bag): Crucial for easily and cleanly filling the cannoli shells. Using a piping bag ensures a beautiful, evenly filled cannolo every time.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Drain the Ricotta Thoroughly

• Place the ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer positioned over a bowl. This setup allows any excess liquid to drip away. Refrigerate the ricotta in the strainer for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for several hours (up to 8 hours), to remove as much moisture as possible. This critical step prevents your cannoli filling from becoming watery and helps ensure a firm, creamy texture, keeping your shells wonderfully crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Superfine Sugar (Optional but Recommended)

• If you have a spice grinder or a mini food processor, place the granulated sugar inside and pulse it several times until it reaches a superfine consistency. This process breaks down the sugar crystals, allowing them to dissolve more quickly and completely into the ricotta mixture, resulting in a smoother, more luxurious filling. If you don’t have these tools, your regular food processor can do the job, or you can skip this step, though the texture might be slightly less smooth.

Step 3: Whip the Ricotta to Perfection

• Transfer the thoroughly drained ricotta to your food processor. Whip it for about 30 seconds until it becomes light and airy. Next, add the superfine sugar (or regular granulated sugar), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, mascarpone cheese, and heavy cream. Process the mixture for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until it is incredibly smooth, uniform, and very creamy. The mascarpone and heavy cream will contribute significantly to this luscious texture.

Step 4: Infuse Flavors and Chill the Filling

• Carefully remove the whipped ricotta mixture from the food processor and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips (or shaved chocolate) and the fresh orange zest until they are evenly distributed. Spoon the finished filling into a piping bag (a large zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off also works well). Store the piping bag upright in a tall cup in the refrigerator, with the tip pointing down, for at least an hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to firm up slightly. We find the creamy filling tastes even better on day two as the flavors deepen!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve Your Cannoli

• When you are ready to serve, take the piping bag from the refrigerator. If any excess moisture has collected at the tip, snip off a tiny bit of the end to allow it to drain, ensuring your filling remains perfectly textured. Carefully fill each cannoli shell from both ends, piping the creamy mixture until the shell is completely and evenly filled. For a final elegant touch, dust the filled cannoli with a small amount of powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy these exquisite homemade treats immediately for the best crispy shell experience!

Creative Variations for Your Cannoli

Our Chocolate Orange Cannoli recipe is a delightful starting point, but the beauty of cannoli lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize your homemade treats:

• Use Chopped Pistachios: Embrace a classic Sicilian tradition by incorporating finely chopped pistachios into your filling. Either add them alongside the chocolate and orange zest for a vibrant flavor profile or use them as a direct substitute for the chocolate if you prefer a nuttier taste. The green hue of pistachios also adds beautiful visual appeal.
• Add Cocoa Powder for an Extra Chocolatey Version: For true chocolate lovers, take your cannoli to the next level by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder directly into the ricotta filling during the whipping stage. This will deepen the chocolate flavor and give the filling a lovely, rich brown color.
• Make it Simple and Classic: If you want to highlight the pure, creamy essence of the ricotta, simplify the filling. Omit the orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. This creates a straightforward, elegant version where the quality of the ricotta truly shines through, offering a timeless taste of Sicily. You can still dust it with powdered sugar for presentation.
• Transform it into a Fruit Dip! For a fun, deconstructed twist on cannoli, prepare the filling as directed, but instead of piping it into shells, serve it as a delectable cannoli dip. Present it in an elegant bowl surrounded by an array of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, and apple wedges. It’s a fantastic, interactive dessert perfect for gatherings.
• Candied Fruit Delight: In addition to or in place of orange zest, finely chop some high-quality candied orange peel or mixed candied fruit (often found in Italian delis) and fold it into the filling for a more traditional Sicilian flavor.
• Limoncello Infusion: For a bright, zesty twist, add a teaspoon of Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) to your ricotta filling. This provides a lovely citrusy kick that is both refreshing and sophisticated.

Storing and Serving Cannoli Like a Pro

Understanding how to properly store and serve cannoli is key to enjoying them at their best. Follow these guidelines to ensure maximum freshness and crispness:

How to store cannoli:

• Always store the ricotta filling separately from the cannoli shells. The filling should be kept in an airtight container or, ideally, in a piping bag with the tip pointed down, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Unfilled cannoli shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for several weeks, or as indicated on their packaging, to maintain their crispness.
• Cannoli are at their absolute best when filled immediately before eating. While they can be filled up to 2 hours maximum in advance without significant degradation, we highly recommend piping and serving within 20 minutes for the ultimate crisp texture.

Can you freeze cannoli filling?

• Freezing cannoli filling is generally **not recommended at all**. The high moisture content in ricotta cheese tends to separate and become watery when defrosted, resulting in a grainy texture and compromised flavor. For the best quality, it is always best to make the filling fresh.

How to serve cannoli?

• As mentioned, pipe the filling into the shells when you are ready to serve, or at most, up to 2 hours beforehand.
• For an elegant presentation, dust the finished cannoli with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a touch of sophistication by dipping the ends of the filled cannoli in melted chocolate or finely chopped pistachios.
• Cannoli are fantastic for feeding a crowd. It is said that in Sicilian tradition, serving at least 12 cannoli on a platter to guests is a sign of generosity and hospitality!

Expert Tips for Flawless Cannoli

Achieving perfect cannoli every time is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips. The most common pitfall in cannoli making is excess moisture, which can lead to soggy shells and a less-than-ideal filling texture. Here’s how to avoid it and ensure your cannoli are always spectacular:

1. Mastering Moisture Management: This is the golden rule of cannoli! Start by thoroughly draining your ricotta cheese using a fine mesh strainer over a bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for several hours. This removes a significant amount of the natural water content. Even after mixing, a bit of moisture can still seep out. Therefore, after you’ve prepared your filling and placed it in a piping bag, store it upright in the fridge with the tip pointing down for at least an hour. This allows any remaining excess liquid to flow to the bottom of the bag, where it can be easily snipped off and discarded before you begin filling the shells.
2. Preventing Soggy Shells – Timing is Everything: The integrity of a cannolo relies heavily on the crispness of its shell. Never fill your cannoli too far in advance. The wetter your filling (or if using shells that are more prone to absorbing moisture), the higher the chance of encountering the dreaded soggy shell issue. Our recipe, paired with high-quality, crispy shells (refer to our ingredient section for recommendations), can maintain the crispness of filled cannoli for up to 1 to 2 hours. However, for the absolute best texture, we generally advise against making the finished cannoli more than 20 minutes in advance. Pipe and serve quickly to experience them at their peak perfection.
3. Achieving a Silky-Smooth Filling: Beyond draining the ricotta, using a food processor to whip the ingredients ensures a lump-free, incredibly smooth filling. If you desire an even finer texture, pressing the ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve before whipping can make a noticeable difference.
4. Quality Ingredients Matter: Since the filling consists of only a few key ingredients, the quality of each shines through. Invest in good whole milk ricotta and high-quality chocolate and extracts for the most flavorful result.
5. Chill for Flavor Development: Allowing the mixed filling to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or even overnight) not only helps it firm up but also gives the flavors of chocolate, orange, and cinnamon time to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste.

Common Cannoli Questions Answered (FAQ)

What to Serve with Your Italian Cannoli

Cannoli are fantastic on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can elevate the entire dessert experience. Here are a few ways to enhance your homemade Italian cannoli:

For the Chocolate Lover: Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli Shells
Take your cannoli presentation and flavor to new heights by dipping the ends of your shells in melted chocolate. Simply melt your favorite semi-sweet or dark chocolate, dip each end of the unfilled shell, and then let them set on parchment paper until hardened. This adds a beautiful visual contrast and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that perfectly complements the orange-infused filling.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee & Espresso: A classic and beloved pairing! The robust, dark notes of a freshly brewed espresso or a rich coffee cut through the sweetness of the cannoli, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that Italians adore for a morning or afternoon treat.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy and indulgent experience, a creamy hot chocolate makes a wonderful companion to homemade cannoli, especially on cooler evenings.
• Dessert Wines: For an adult pairing, cannoli stand up beautifully to a variety of dessert wines. Consider a sweet Sherry, a rich Port, a flavorful Madeira, or other fortified wines. The complex, often nutty or fruity notes of these wines create a sophisticated contrast and complement the creamy, sweet filling.
• Marsala Wine: A glass of sweet Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily itself, would make an incredibly authentic and fitting pairing, celebrating the cannoli’s roots.

Related Italian Desserts

If you’ve enjoyed making these cannoli and are eager to explore more exquisite Italian dessert recipes, look no further! Expand your repertoire with these other delicious choices:

• Creamy Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache
• Soft Pumpkin Ricotta Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Limoncello Ricotta Tiramisù (Easy Twist on Classic Tiramisù)
• Classic Easy Vanilla Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

Main Dishes for a Perfect Italian Feast

To complete your Italian culinary journey, consider serving these flavorful main dishes before indulging in your homemade cannoli. These recipes offer a variety of tastes and textures that pair wonderfully with a sweet dessert:

• Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
• Summer Farro Salad with Zucchini Asparagus and Feta
• Marinated Lamb Chops with Mint and Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
• Italian Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lemon Vinaigrette

📖 Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli Recipe

Chocolate Orange Italian Cannoli

Homemade chocolate orange cannoli filling is not only easy to make but is also a tasty classic Italian dessert that will impress your guests! This recipe makes 6 large cannoli or a dozen small cannoli.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Resting Time: 1 hr (in fridge)

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 452 kcal

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Equipment

• 1 Food processor
• 1 Fine mesh strainer
• (Optional) 1 Spice grinder or mini food processor

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Ricotta cheese (whole milk, best quality)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 2 ounces heavy cream
• 2 ½ ounces shaved chocolate or very small chocolate chips
• Zest of 1 orange (e.g., Cara Cara or navel)
• 6 Cannoli shells (premade)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours) to drain excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Sugar (Optional): If you have a spice grinder or mini food processor, pulse the sugar several times to make it superfine. This helps it dissolve quicker for a smoother filling.
3. Whip the Ricotta: Transfer the drained ricotta to a food processor and whip for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, mascarpone, and heavy cream. Process for another minute until the mixture is very creamy and smooth.
4. Finish the Filling: Remove the ricotta mixture from the food processor and place it in a large bowl. Gently fold in the chocolate and orange zest with a spatula. Transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped) and store it in the refrigerator with the tip pointing down for at least one hour to chill and allow flavors to meld. The filling tastes even better on day 2.
5. Assemble the Cannoli: When ready to serve, snip the tip off the piping bag, allowing any excess moisture to drain. Fill the cannoli shells from both ends, ensuring they are completely filled. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 452 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.01g
• Cholesterol: 59mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Potassium: 158mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 29g
• Vitamin A: 615 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.1mg
• Calcium: 187mg
• Iron: 5mg

Keywords

cannoli, classic Italian recipes, Italian dolci, mascarpone, ricotta, chocolate orange dessert

Food Safety

• To prevent bacterial growth and ensure safety, do not leave food, especially dairy-based desserts like cannoli, sitting out at room temperature (between 40°-140°F / 4°-60°C) for extended periods. The maximum recommended time is typically 2 hours.
• Always refrigerate cannoli filling promptly after preparation and keep filled cannoli chilled until just before serving.

For more comprehensive food safety guidelines, please refer to the resources at USDA.gov.