Hi Everyone,
Today is a fun day at #SundaySupper! Our mission this week was to make something movie related. Hmmm, I had a hard time with this one because there are some great movies that is related to food! After asking around, my Husbands friend said how about the Godfather. The Godfather! A classic movie! I love mafia type movies and I haven’t seen the Godfather in so long and I own the box set. I remember years ago my Husband and I watched almost all of them on a Saturday! Yes, I spent a Saturday snuggled on my couch watching the Godfather! Crazy, but true!
So what does one make from the Godfather? First thing that comes to mine is Italian food, you know things like pasta and pizza. But nah, that is to traditional and with a classic movie like the Godfather, I needed something special, but what? Remember the famous scene Leave the gun Take the cannoli? Such a great and ever so popular scene! Did you know that scene was a mistake it, was supposed to be take the gun and leave the Cannoli, but the blunder made it famous! lol So with that the Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli was made!
My cannoli’s are a little different from the standard cannoli’s for many reasons. The main reason was I wanted a lower calorie cannoli so I can enjoy it without guilt, second was I didn’t have cannoli tube to wrap around the pastry and three I wanted something easy, so you can make these too!! So I decided instead of a pastry shell, I would use Phyllo Dough for the cups, which would make the cannoli’s light and flaky, plus phyllo dough is pretty forgiving if you use it. I had some tears in the dough, but that is ok, once you push them into a muffin cup, they will bake up nicely. You don’t even need to make them perfect, once you fill them with the delicious filling, you don’t even notice any mistakes in the dough.
For the filling, I thought about going traditional and having plain with chocolate chips, but I have been craving pistachios and cherries for some odd reason? Plus the Godfather is kind of a dark movie and I needed to lighten it up, so I make a pretty pink cannoli because you know you think of pink, when you think of the Godfather! lol The filling is so easy to make! All it is fat-free Ricotta Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese, maraschino cherry juice and sugar. I topped these little guys with some finely chopped pistachios and a maraschino cherry! I couldn’t keep these on the plate! I was getting ready to photograph them and my Husband took one that I plated, sure enough I plated a few more and he ate them too! He was sitting on the couch saying these are so good!! I must admit they turned out way better than I ever could have dreamed off! Flaky dough, rich, creamy, sweet filling with the taste of cherries and almonds. Oh man, it is good!!!!!!!!!!!
The filling is just amazing! I thought it would be gritty but it wasn’t! I decided to go with fat free Ricotta cheese because I was using full fat Mascarpone Cheese. Do you want to know a secret? This is the first time I ever had Mascarpone Cheese! OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! It was like pure creamy deliciousness!! I can’t believe I have never had it! It’s amazing cheese! I thought it would be like cream cheese, but it’s not! It’s so good and so much better! But due to the fat and calories I only went with 8 tablespoons of it! If you feel like splurging use 16 tablespoons. It’s so good!! Oh and if your feeling a little lazy and don’t want to make the Phyllo Dough Cups, just make the filling!!! You can dip cinnamon pita chips in it, apples or fill little glasses with it and serve it as dessert, maybe tuck a cookie in it make it look pretty. I had fun making, testing and tasting the filling, I kept eating it! he he
I wanted to tell you that the calorie count for the Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli Cups are less than I posted. I had left over phyllo dough, left over nuts and leftover filling, but I would rather be higher on calories then less. Oh and the cannoli cup including everything only comes in at 130 calories! Loves it!! A traditional cannoli has almost 400 calories and is fried!! To much for me!! So I am happy to bring this recipe to you! I guarantee know on will know it’s low-calorie. My Husband had no clue and he is a picky dessert person and he couldn’t keep his hands off of them.
If you do decide to make them, don’t fill your cannoli cups until your ready to serve. Other wise the cups will get soggy. You can also make this ahead of time. Make the filling and store in the refrigerator and the cups, can be stored in a sealed tight container at room temperature, but in my opinion the cups are best the first day you make them.
- To make Cups:
- 6 sheets phyllo dough
- cooking spray
- To make Cannoli filling:
- 1¾ cup fat free ricotta cheese
- 8 tbsp. Mascarpone Cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp. almond extract or vanilla
- 1 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries)
- 2 tsp. pistachios, finely chopped
- 12 maraschino cherries
- To make phyllo dough cups
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Spray a standard muffin pan with cooking spray; set a side.
- Layer 3 fillo sheets, lightly spraying each sheet with cooking spray. Cut into 8 equal squares to form Phyllo stack (8 squares with 3 sheets of Phyllo Dough). Place cut squares in the standard muffin pan. Carefully push fillo into pan, pressing firmly against bottom and sides.
- Repeat process 1 more time with remaining 3 sheets to make 12 tarts (you'll have some dough leftover).
- Bake empty fillo tarts in the oven for 8 – 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove fillo tarts from pans.
- To make Cannoli filling:
- In a stand mixer add the paddle attachment, add ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese and blend until light and fluffy, about 2 - 3 minutes. Add sugar, almond extract and maraschino cherry juice. Mix until incorporated and filling is light and fluffy, about 7 minutes total time.
- Add cannoli filling to phyllo cups and sprinkle with pistachios and top with a cherry.
- Note: Fill the cups with cannoli mix when ready to use, otherwise the cups will get soggy. Store cups in a sealed container at room temperature.
Please note calories are less than given do to the fact I had leftover ingredients:
This was such a fun #SundaySupper! I can’t wait to see what others made that are movie related goodies! So be sure to check them all out.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Toodles,
Jennifer
Toast (bready things)
- Scones (inspired by Tea with Mussolini) – Country Girl in the Village
- Croque Monsieur (inspired by It’s Complicated) – That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
- “Eat Me” Strawberry Orange Scones (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) – The Messy Baker
- Dog Bone Breadsticks (inspired by Frankenweenie) – The Urban Mrs.
- Individual Deep Dish Pizzas (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Momma’s Meals
- Basic Bread Recipe (inspired by Agora) – Masala Herb
- Mystical Double Cheese Pizza (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Webicurean
- Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes (inspired by No Reservations) – Pies and Plots
No Reservations (soups and salads)
- 10-Minute Potato Ham Soup with Pesto Swirl (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Shockingly Delicious
- Alaska Smoked Salmon, Celery, and Apple Salad (inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) – Pescetarian Journal
Today’s Special (fish, chicken, beef, and pork)
- الدار البيضاء Fish Tajine (inspired by Casablanca) – Maroc Mama
- Beef and Onions Braised in Beer (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Magnolia Days
- Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) – I Run For Wine
- Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs (inspired by Brave) – Big Bear’s Wife
- Puerco Pibil (inspired by Once Upon a Time in Mexico) – From the Bookshelf
Forks Over Knives (veggie-heavy dishes and sides)
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (inspired by The Joy Luck Club) – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Beet Chips (inspired by Food Matters) – girlichef
- Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille) – Noshing With The Nolands
- Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches (inspired by Sixteen Candles) – Home Cooking Memories
- Veg Samosas (inspired by Monsoon Wedding) – My Cute Bride
- Not So Fried Green Tomatoes (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Roasted Taters with Bacon (inspired by Lord of the Rings) – Curious Cuisinere
- Goat Cheese Basil Grits (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Diabetic Foodie
Udon (pasta and noodles)
- Big Night Timpano (inspired by Big Night) – Kimchi Mom
- Better Baked Mac & Cheese (inspired by Soul Food) – What Smells So Good?
- Spaghetti with Meatballs and Gravy (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) – Juanita’s Cocina
- Spicy Sichuan Noodles (inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman) – Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta (inspired by Last Holiday) – Gourmet Drizzles
Just Desserts (sweet treats)
- The Best Chocolate Cake (inspired by Chocolat) – The Foodie Army Wife
- Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberries (inspired by Chocolat) – Vintage Kitchen
- Iocane-Dusted Brownies of Unusual Size (BOUS’) (inspired by The Princess Bride) – The Cooking Actress
- Minny’s Chocolate Pie (inspired by The Help) – Daily Dish Recipes
- Pao de Lo | Portuguese Bundt Sponge Cake (inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding) – Family Foodie
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (inspired by Life of Pi) – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Fantasia Cakes (inspired by Disney’s Fantasia) – NinjaBaking. com
- Chocolate Dipped Almond Coconut Bars (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- (Gluten Free) Orange Soda Pound Cake (inspired by Joe Vs The Volcano) – Blueberries and Blessings
- Peach Cobbler (inspired by Soul Food) – The Lovely Pantry
- Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)– Weekend Gourmet
- French Macarons (inspired by Marie Antoinette) – Happy Baking Days
- Pistachio and Cherry Cannolis Cups(inspired by The Godfather) – Peanut Butter and Peppers
Bottle Shock (beverages)
- Raspberry Cordial (inspired by Anne of Green Gables) – NeighborFood
- Grapefruit Flirtini (inspired by Sex and the City) – Ruffles & Truffles
- Wines To Pair With #SundaySupper Movie-Inspired Recipes (inspired by Sideways) – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.
theninjabaker says
Good thinking, Jennifer. Phyllo dough is a wonderful way to encase the yummy combo of cheeses in your filling.
Thank you for sharing the tidbit about the serendipitous now famous line about the gun and cannoli.
Laura Dembowski says
These are so cute and creative! I love that they’re pretty healthy too. It would be great to serve these at a party.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Laura, they would be nice at a party and they are easy to make too!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Love The Godfather! Jen, these little cups look amazing. I just want to reach through the screen and start munching.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ahhhh thanks Jennie! 🙂
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says
So cute…love pistachio and cherry! If you’re a lazy baker like me, they make frozen mini phyllo shells. I buy them in the freezer section and use them for appetizers and bite-sized desserts. They work perfect…all you do is thaw ’em out and fill!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh I love the mini phyllo shells. I have a pack in the freezer! 🙂
Susan says
I’ve never been a big cannoli fan (mostly because it was a nickname given to me by my 5th grade teacher – a play on my last name) but these I could eat!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh no! Wow, a teacher giving nicknames, not cool. Funny how those kind of things stick with you as you get older. I know, I have a few nicknames myself.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Girllllllll, I want these. NOW!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
lol!! Make them, eat them, enjoy them! 😉
Amanda @ MarocMama says
I love that you made easy cannoli! They are my favorite dessert but I never make them because of how time consuming (and heavy) the original version is.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Amanda! I thought about making the traditional cannoli but I just hate frying food, especially in the house, plus I know I would eat them all!!
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb says
I have seen all the godfather movie a few times but I think so I need to watch them again soon because I don’t remember the part with the cannoli. So maybe when I watch the godfather I should have your pistachio cherry cannoli cups around. It’s going to be awesome! Thanks for the share. 😉
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Hi Helene! I thought I would share the You Tube video of the scene. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1-y9-m-CU0 It’s kind of graphic!
Alaiyo Kiasi-Barnes says
What a beautiful-looking dish, and so well photographed! I simply must try making something with phyllo dough,
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love Phyllo dough it’s pretty low calorie, and tastes amazing when you bake it!!
Heather @girlichef says
They’re so pretty, I love them…and actually the cup-form is very cool! I had no idea that was a mistake – such a fun tidbit, thank you. Now, pass me a cannoli (cup)…
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Heather for hosting today’s event! It was so much fun and everyone made such creative dishes!!
Renee Dobbs (@reneedobbs) says
So it’s okay to eat a dozen of these right? So cute and bite-sized too! Love them.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Of course it is! I spooned all the remaining filling I had! lol
Andrea {from the Bookshelf} says
These look fabulous!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Andrea!
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
Your healthier version is so creative. And love the pink and the cherries- so darn cute! 😉
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ahhh, thank you! 🙂
Liz says
Jen, your cannoli cups are so cute…and must be irresistible! I don’t think I’ve ever sat through the whole first Godfather movie! Now I want to see it all 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
If you want to sit through them all, it’s going to take more than a day! But it can be fun, just vegging out and eating Italian treats! perfect for a cold rainy day!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
I love that you used phyllo dough! What a creative idea. Pistachio and cherry, that could be my new all time favorite. Yum!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I just love pistachio and cherry together, something about that combination, I can’t get enough of!
Tara says
Love the Godfather and even more love those little cannoli cups, great combination of flavors!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Awww, thanks Tara!!
Megan says
Love this recipe! Looks incredible 🙂
Martin D. Redmond says
You recipe looks fantastic! Loved the Godfather. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you!! 🙂
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
I’m showing this to my mom- with an italian family this will be a hit!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Sarah! let me know what your Mom thinks! 🙂
laurasmess says
Love the idea of these cannoli cups! I’ve always loved cannoli but the fried pastry and calorie-laden filling have put me off in recent years (argh, why can’t I keep my teenage metabolism?!). I’m definitely going to try your version – the cherry and pistachio flavours are a match made in heaven! Thanks for sharing… and I love this Sunday Supper idea. This is the first that I’ve heard of it… can’t wait to look through the other posts! xx
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I know what you mean about metabolism! I swear mine slows down everyday! lol Sunday Supper is a pretty cool idea, and I love the group, not to mention it gives me something fun to create with the themes that are picked. Happy to be apart of the group.
Katy @ Katy's Kitchen says
This is such a unique little dessert! The colour and flavours remind me of this ice cream I had once when I was really little, it was a spumoni ice cream. I haven’t been able to find the exact one since. Little desserts are perfect for parties, one bite to gobble them down!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
How cute are these? They look so yummy too!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ahhh thank you! They did turn out cute considering it’s from the Godfather! lol
Sally says
These are so cute Jennifer! And I Haven’t been here in a couple weeks – I love the website makeover!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Sally!!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
I have to see this movie, a Saturday snuggled on the couch with my hubby to watch these movies is a MUST do!! I love that you made these healthier and easier, now I can give them a shot!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I think I need to pull out the old box set and watch the movie too!! it’s been so long!
Isabel Foodie says
What a great recipe for Cannolis… inspired by a great movie!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Isabel!
Shelby | Diabetic Foodie says
Thank you for giving me a smaller, lower calorie cannoli!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Your welcome! I am glad I came up with it too! This will be one of those recipes I’ll be making quite a bit. My Husband LOVEd them and they are low calorie,which is shocking for him! 🙂
SaltySweetSour says
These look delicious – very creative.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you!! 🙂
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Wow Jennifer you knocked this outta the park! I made those coconut cuties and I almost put pistachios in mine too! Great minds think alike! Hooray for Marscapone cheese, soooooo goood!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Darn that Masrscapone cheese! It’s crazy good!!
Amy @ Fun With Family and Fitness says
I am a fan of ANYTHING that involves Mascarpone chesse! 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
OMG! I tried the cheese for the first time and it’s AMAZING!!! I LOVE It!!!
Krista Low says
Jennifer! These look absolutely amazing! I love the cherry and pistachio combination. I am dreaming of the filling melting in my mouth! I would love for you to link this up on Thursday @ Great Idea Thursday’s http://ahandfulofeverything.blogspot.com Krista 🙂
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
Oh my goodness, isn’t mascarpone cheese amazing!?!?! These cannoli’s you made look absolutely awesome!!! Oh my heavens, I want one!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Conni! 🙂