Christmas Cannoli

Here is a different twist on the Italian traditional cannoli.   My mom used to make these shells by hand and we would help her take the fried dough off the hot sticks and watch them cool.  Then we would help her take the ricotta cheese, cream, candied fruit and powdered sugar to make the filling.  They were (and still are) delicious.  But,  to try something different,  I bought the shells already made, and made my filing with mascarpone cheese and whipping cream.  Dipped them into red and green jimmies for Christmas and wow,  these are great!

Christmas Cannoli

2 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
15 ounces mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
12 store bought cannoli shells
Red and green jimmies for garnish

Pour the cream in mixing bowl. Beat until slightly thick. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and mascarpone cheese. Whip the cream mixture until thick and creamy. Fold in the walnuts before filling the cannoli. Take each cannoli shell and fill it with the filling from both sides of the shell. When filled, dip the edges into Christmas red and green sprinkles, arrange on plate, put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, and serve. Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
Note:  add a little rum or amaretto to the filling to make this a festive dessert!!
Enjoy....