I stopped by the Ferrara Bakery in Chicago, originally founded and operated by my maternal grandparents, Salvatore and Serafina Ferrara
and now by my cousin Nella and her husband Bill.
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Although I had stuffed hundreds of cannolis in my teenage years, a requirement of all granddaughters during the holidays, I don’t remember ever seeing the cannoli shells being made. I was in for a treat.
Once the dough is mixed, it is put on the long work table – picture huge amounts of pizza-like dough, but brown from the spices and much, much heavier.
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After the bakers get the dough into a log shape, they cut it into large pieces
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which are then flattened by hand, folded in half, and dusted with flour.
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The dough is then fed through a press, creating long, thin sheets which are dusted heavily to prevent sticking.
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A form is used to cut the shapes
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which are then stacked and refrigerated overnight.
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The next day, the dough is rolled on metal tubes to create the cannoli shape
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and then fried to perfection!
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Eventually, the cannoli shell is stuffed with homemade cannoli cream
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and there you have it – an authentic Italian cannoli, made just like they still do in Italy.
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Delicious – before or after you order your lunch!
2210 W Taylor St, Chicago,
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While some things have changed since my grandparents’ days, most notably the addition of a full menu lunch, the handmade pastries and cookies look, smell and taste the same. After all, why mess with a good thing!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Great Job Judy !!!
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Aloha Judy,
Oh how I miss the bakery and your story brings back the great taste of “The Cannoli’s”
If I could only convince your cousins to open up a shop in Waikiki. 🙂
I miss the restaurant too especially the Pasta e Fagioli and the Minestrone.
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I’d ship you some but I’m not sure they’d survive the trip!
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Aloha Judy,
Overnight Air would work 🙂
Charles on Oahu
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This is not only visually pleasing (great pics!!), it is extremely fascinating! I can practically smell the cookies now and taste the cannoli filling. I must get my hands on some soon. Thank you so much for another great post!!
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Maybe we’ll stop by there next time your in town!
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If only you weren’t thousands of miles away. Yum.
I’m a newbie. Did I miss your recommendation for a bakery in Cortona?
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Well, now you know where to go when you visit Chicago. As for Cortona, most places that serve morning coffee also can offer you a freshly baked cornetto (croissant).
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My sister in Toronto who goes to Chicago for knitting conventions will love this place. Great family tradition!
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Judy thank you for this blog- I really enjoyed reading it – I agree, there aren’t cannoli like the Original Ferrara cannoli- Serajean
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Thanks, Sera. It’s funny that I never saw the shells being made before. And, I must give credit where credit is due, we were all great cannoli stuffers, never leaving a void in the middle!
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Wonderful post! Thanks Judy!
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Thank you, Chuck!
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