1 week Ago By Claudie Bellanger
By Claudie Bellanger When you’re walking Hanover and its neighboring streets in the North End , there’s no shortage of options to satisfy a cannoli craving. But for those who want to travel with it or want to save it for a later treat, an important question arises: How long does a cannoli last? Can you bring it home after a few hours in a car? Can you fly it on the plane? The cannoli is an Italian delicacy and a staple of Boston’s iconic North End. It’s made of fried pastry dough which creates a crispy shell for the rich ricotta filling.
At bakeries, the the shells are typically displayed without filling, and cannoli are piped as ordered to ensured the shell doesn’t get soggy. When we asked readers for how long the treat stays fresh, we received some delightful answers. “About two minutes.
That’s how long they last on the plate,” said Eleanor from East Boston. “No one leaves delicious cannoli on a plate to be placed in the fridge or frozen unless they are from a culture which doesn’t know any better.” “Hard to say since mine usually last about 12.
5 seconds!” said one anonymous reader. All jokes aside, the question is a real one for those who want to enjoy the deliciousness at home, and they might be out of luck if they’re seeking the traditional cannoli-enjoying experience. The appeal of cannoli is its mix of crunchy texture with the creamy filling.
But the allure could be lost if you wait too long to eat it. “They’ll be fine to eat flavor-wise, and they won’t go bad over night, but we always recommend to eat within a couple hours,” said Rachel Dakermanji, a baker’s assistant at Modern Pastry , a North End favorite. For those who want to fly their cannoli home with them, you’re in luck.
Dakermanji explains that Modern sells a cannoli kit with a custom amount of empty shells and filling on the side. The one thing standing in your way? TSA. “We recommend a kit for flying, but it’s sometimes hard to get through TSA,” Dakermanji said.
“Some TSA agents will consider the filling on the side a liquid. We’ve seen both sides — some people have no trouble, and other people call back wanting a refund.” This is a known dilemma for those traveling out of Logan.
In 2021, a traveler found out the hard way that cannoli filling on its own is considered a “creamy cheese” and prohibited in quantities over 3.4 ounces . But build your cannoli in the security line, like the traveler did, and you’re good to go.
A Modern rival and another North End staple, Mike’s Pastry , says about the same in terms of cannoli shelf-life. Like many traditional bakeries, they fill the cannoli shell when you order, so consuming your cannoli within four to five hours is ideal. It’s safe to eat for a few days after if you keep it in the fridge, but it’ll loose the signature texture and may not taste as good as day-of consumption.
Mike’s also offer a build-your-own kit, similar to Modern’s, that can be shipped directly to your house. With the ingredients coming in separate pieces, you can enjoy its contents for longer. The $70 “ Mike’s Famous Cannoli Kit ” includes 10 cannoli shells, a piping bag of ricotta filling, and various toppings to choose from.
Mike’s says the cream and shells are good separately for six days after you receive the kit if stored properly (cream in the fridge, shells in a dry place). “Cannolis are okay overnight if stored in a Tupperware container overnight, but no longer than that. The shell gets soggy,” said reader Jaden from Watertown.
Most traditional Italian pastry shops – and their loyal patrons – agree that a cannoli doesn’t last more than a few hours. If you want to experience the magic at home, a kit or catering options might be the best choice. Sign up for The Dish Stay up to date on the latest food and drink news from Boston.
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