<strong>Irresistible treat: </strong>Cannolo, a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with fresh ricotta, is one of Sicily's most famous pastries.<br />
Irresistible treat: Cannolo, a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with fresh ricotta, is one of Sicily's most famous pastries.
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<strong>Origin town?</strong> Located deep in central Sicily, Caltanissetta is often claimed as the "birthplace" of cannolo. Here, the Piazza Garibaldi in Caltanissetta is seen.
Origin town? Located deep in central Sicily, Caltanissetta is often claimed as the "birthplace" of cannolo. Here, the Piazza Garibaldi in Caltanissetta is seen.
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<strong>Tasty dessert:</strong> "The origins of this delicious cake are imbued with legend and myth but there are a few real historic elements that push us to support the paternity of it," Roberto Gambino, mayor of Caltanissetta, tells CNN.
Tasty dessert: "The origins of this delicious cake are imbued with legend and myth but there are a few real historic elements that push us to support the paternity of it," Roberto Gambino, mayor of Caltanissetta, tells CNN.
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<strong>Ancient city: </strong>Located in the center of Sicily, Caltanissetta was once a strategic outpost, as well as one of the greatest Arab centers in Sicily, according to local professor and researcher Rosanna Zaffuto.
Ancient city: Located in the center of Sicily, Caltanissetta was once a strategic outpost, as well as one of the greatest Arab centers in Sicily, according to local professor and researcher Rosanna Zaffuto.
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<strong>Timeless treat: </strong>Local pastry chef Lillo Defraia has spent 25 years researching the story behind cannolo.
Timeless treat: Local pastry chef Lillo Defraia has spent 25 years researching the story behind cannolo.
Alessio Abate Carlo Bolzoni
<strong>Sicilian specialty:</strong> According to legend, cannolo was first made by the concubines of an Arab emir. The women apparently came up with the idea of filling the pastry dough with ricotta.
Sicilian specialty: According to legend, cannolo was first made by the concubines of an Arab emir. The women apparently came up with the idea of filling the pastry dough with ricotta.
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<strong>Harem myth:</strong> One of the legends around the pastry suggests that a harem of women based at Pietrarossa Castle passed the time concocting recipes together.
Harem myth: One of the legends around the pastry suggests that a harem of women based at Pietrarossa Castle passed the time concocting recipes together.
Luca Micciché
<strong>Sublime delicacy:</strong> "Cannolo stands as the supreme expression of our 'Sicilianness,' a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs," says Defraia.
Sublime delicacy: "Cannolo stands as the supreme expression of our 'Sicilianness,' a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs," says Defraia.
Alessio Abate Carlo Bolzoni